2026 World Cup kicks off with Canada vs. Bosnia in historic 48-team debut
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, with Canada set to host its opening match. Bosnia and Herzegovina will face the hosts at BMO Field in Toronto. Meanwhile, Italy's absence from the tournament marks a second consecutive failure to qualify. Canada's group includes Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland. The hosts are tipped to progress, with their first game scheduled against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The expanded BMO Field will see blue-clad fans—but this time, they'll be supporting Canada rather than Italy.
Italy's national team missed qualification after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match ended 1-1, but Bosnia advanced, leaving Italy out of the 2026 and likely 2030 tournaments. Ranked 65th globally, Bosnia and Herzegovina sits well below Italy's 13th place. The absence of Italy also means the cancellation of the *Caffè Dip derby*—a long-standing rivalry match between Italian and Canadian supporters.
Canada enters the tournament as group favourites, while Bosnia and Herzegovina prepares for its opening clash. Italy's early exit extends its World Cup drought, with no return before 2030. The expanded format brings new matchups, but familiar rivalries will be missing this summer.
