Canada will learn today which nation it will face in its opening match of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, as a crucial playoff between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina determines the final team in Group B.
The winner of the matchup will join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in the group and will face Canada in the opening game in Toronto on June 12.
Italy enters the playoff as the favourite, currently ranked 12th in FIFA standings and featuring top talents such as Moise Kean and Federico Dimarco. The four-time World Cup champions have a rich history, with titles in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006, though they failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked 66th, will host the playoff in Zenica and is aiming for just its second World Cup appearance after debuting in 2014. The team is led by veteran striker Edin Džeko, the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
Historically, Italy holds the edge in head-to-head matchups, with a 4-1-1 record against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both teams come into the clash with momentum, as Italy recently defeated Northern Ireland 2-0, while Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced past Wales on penalties.
The tournament will kick off on June 11 with opening matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, spanning 16 host cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. The final is scheduled for July 19 in East Rutherford.
Toronto is set to host six matches during the tournament, while Vancouver will stage seven additional games.
