- Canada are undefeated in their last 5 matches, winning 2 and drawing 3, including a 2-0 win at home to Uzbekistan.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina are undefeated in their last 5 games, winning 3 and drawing 2, including a dramatic penalty shootout win over Italy in the World Cup qualification playoffs.
An interesting battle in Group B
Canada come into this match as favourites at 1.84, with Bosnia and Herzegovina priced at 4.48 and the draw available at 3.8. I expect a close match, but I'm going for Canada to edge it out. The under 2.5 market is my main selection at 1.7, and I'll be taking the draw no bet market as my insurance policy.
Canada have played a lot of football over the last 18 months and Jesse Marsch has established a system that allows them to exploit the best of his talent and players' strengths. Typically playing a narrow 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2, Canada's system involves high pressing, fast vertical transitions and the exploitation of pace on the flanks.
When fit, Alphonso Davies provides that game-breaking pace and width, which is the key ingredient for Canada to be successful in this tournament. Jonathan David has been a key attacking outlet for Canada since he took the number 10 role, netting 2 goals in their last 5 fixtures and providing crucial movement in the front two.
Bosnia are solid on the road
Sergej Barbarez has implemented a very disciplined and pragmatic game plan since taking over as manager in April 2024. A 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation is typical for this Bosnia and Herzegovina team, as they look to set up disciplined blocks, win physical duels and break quickly.
Haris Tabakovic has been a standout for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the striker netting 3 of their last 6 goals, and the team will look to exploit space in behind, using Edin Džeko's hold-up play to spearhead their attacks.
Canada are hard to beat at home
While Canada have struggled to achieve the results they want in recent home games, they are unbeaten in their last 4, picking up 1 win and 3 draws. A win and 4 draws from their last 7 home games in all competitions is not a good record, but Bosnia and Herzegovina have won 3 of their last 6 on the road, drawing twice and losing once.
Canada have won 4, drawn 4 and lost 2 of their last 10 in all competitions, while Bosnia and Herzegovina have won 5, drawn 3 and lost just 2 in the same period. I think this will be a tight and tense affair, so I'm expecting under 2.5 goals to land in the game.
Canada score an average of 1.43 goals per home game in all competitions, while they concede the same average. Bosnia and Herzegovina have conceded 9 goals in their last 6 on the road, so I think this will be close, but Canada's high-tempo pressing and home ground advantage should see them edge it.
