The United States and Canada are set to begin their World Cup journeys on home soil, following Mexico's opening match as co-hosts on Thursday. Friday's fixtures promise high-stakes encounters for both North American nations.
Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canada will make history by hosting the first men's World Cup match ever played on its soil when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium. Jesse Marsch's side faces pressure to secure three points in a competitive group, but injury concerns loom large. Alphonso Davies is not expected to feature, and Moïse Bombito is a doubt, both crucial to Canada's setup.
Both teams enter the match on eight-game unbeaten runs. Canada has not lost to a European opponent in their last six meetings, while Bosnia and Herzegovina arrives buoyed by a dramatic playoff victory over Italy to qualify for only their second World Cup as an independent nation. This matchup could swing either way, with both sides favoring a transition-heavy, high-energy style.
Player to watch: Jonathan David (Canada) – While Davies is Canada's standout talent, David's ability to link play in the final third, dropping deep like Harry Kane and posing a goal threat, makes him potentially the team's most important player.
USA vs Paraguay
The United States face Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in a match that could define their tournament. Mauricio Pochettino's near two-year tenure as head coach has built toward this moment, but the roots of this campaign stretch back to the USA's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. That disappointment spurred the development of a golden generation of players, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Chris Richards.
Now, the question is whether the USMNT can rise to the occasion. A win against Paraguay would transform the atmosphere and set a positive tone for the tournament. The match kicks off at 9pm ET at SoFi Stadium.
Player to watch: Weston McKennie (USA) – Coming off the best season of his career, McKennie will be key in turning possession into attacking opportunities for the United States.
How to Watch
- Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Kick-off 3pm ET. United States: FOX / Telemundo (stream on Fubo). Canada: CTV / TSN (stream). United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (stream). Australia: SBS (stream).
- USA vs Paraguay: Kick-off 9pm ET. United States: FOX / Telemundo (stream on Fubo). Canada: TSN (stream). United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (stream). Australia: SBS (stream).
Some streaming links in this article were provided by the Guardian's advertising partner, FuboTV.
