World Cup 2026: Toronto hosts FIFA opening ceremony as Team Canada chases history vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Team Canada is taking centre stage with its historic opening match versus Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Friday, June 12. Before kickoff at 3 p.m. EDT/12 p.m. PDT, Toronto Stadium will first set the stage for the country's opening ceremony, as Canada splits hosting duties of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with both Mexico and the United States.

Along with this being the first time that Canada will play a World Cup match on home soil, it also represents an opportunity for the red and white to lock in their first point. Canada's men's team has played in two World Cups in the past — in 1986 and 2022 — but fell flat in the six matches as part of those tournaments. With either a draw or a win today, Canada will make history, with either one or three points, respectively. Both outcomes will help the team advance past the Group Stage, a feat it's never accomplished in the men's program's history.

The sold out Toronto Stadium is opening its door four hours ahead of the match, as fans from around the world get ready for a new chapter in soccer history. To mark the special occasion, the opening ceremony, starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT/10:30 p.m. PDT, will feature performances from Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince. Ambassador, actor and comedian Will Arnett will also partake in the pre-match ceremony, while "O'Canada" will be sung by Alanis Morissette, and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national anthem will be sung by Aleksandar Gajić.

For all the latest highlights, updates, news and analysis for both the opening ceremony and the match, follow along below with Yahoo Canada's live blog coverage, as we bring you all the action.

Father-son moment highlights emotional build-up to Canada vs. Bosnia

For fans like Eugene Maida, the World Cup in Toronto is about more than just the match on the field.

The Ancaster, Ont. father, attending with his son Mateo, said the experience offers kids a chance to see future and former stars up close and imagine what is possible, joking that the last-minute tickets came at a price that cost "enough."

Build-up underway in Toronto ahead of Canada vs. Bosnia World Cup clash

Toronto Stadium is still filling up as fans begin to filter in ahead of Canada's 2026 World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina this afternoon.

The highly anticipated match marks a historic moment for the men's national team, with Canada needing just a draw or a win to secure its first-ever point in World Cup play. The atmosphere is starting to build as supporters take their seats for a landmark day on home soil.

Footage shared by TSN shows hundreds of excited supporters lining up as early as five hours before kickoff.

How many matches are there in Toronto?

There will be six matches played at Toronto Stadium. Yes, that will be the new name for BMO Field during the World Cup due to FIFA's branding requirements. It will be the smallest World Cup stadium on offer and renovations are currently ongoing to install approximately 17,000 temporary seats and boost capacity closer to 45,000.

Canada will play its first match of the tournament here, against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Friday, June 12 (Group B): Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina

Wednesday, June 17 (Group L): Ghana vs. Panama

Saturday, June 20 (Group E): Germany vs. Ivory Coast

Tuesday, June 23 (Group L): Panama vs. Croatia

Friday, June 26 (Group I): Senegal vs. Iraq

Thursday, July 2 (Round of 32): Group K runners-up vs. Group L runners-up

Toronto's Croatian community will be thrilled to see their heroes in the flesh on June 23, with legendary midfielder Luka Modrić set for his fifth World Cup tournament appearance at 40 years old. Croatia reached the final in 2018 when Modrić was awarded the Golden Ball — the trophy for best player of the tournament. They also reached the semifinal in 2022.

The match that offers the most intrigue is the Round of 32 fixture between the runners-up of Group K and Group L. Group K features Portugal and Colombia as the top two sides, while Group L boasts England and Croatia. Whichever way things shake out, if two of those four teams are playing the Round of 32 fixture, there are sure to be fireworks the day after Canada Day.

TSN welcomes 2026 World Cup to Canada's 'backyard'

TSN will be the exclusive English-language broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup in Canada. Ahead of the opening match in Toronto, the broadcaster released an inspiring video to welcome a new chapter in the nation's history with the sport of football, centred around Canada's diversity.

"A beautiful game, finally in our backyard," said narrator Kiefer Sutherland.