The spotlight shifts firmly onto co-hosts Canada and the United States on the second day of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as both nations begin their campaigns amid heightened expectations and home support.
Exactly eight years after Canada, Mexico and the United States were awarded hosting rights for the expanded 48-team tournament, two of the co-hosts finally take centre stage on Thursday with opening fixtures that promise drama and excitement.
USA brace for Paraguay test in Los Angeles
The eyes of the football world will be fixed on Los Angeles Stadium as the United States launch their Group D campaign against Paraguay in one of the most anticipated matches in American soccer history.
Mauricio Pochettino's side enter the tournament with confidence after defeating Paraguay 2-1 in a friendly in November. However, the South Americans arrive in North America buoyed by a strong qualifying campaign that included memorable victories over Argentina and Brazil en route to securing their first World Cup appearance since South Africa 2010.
Pochettino faces late selection dilemmas, with defender Chris Richards recovering from an ankle injury and uncertainty remaining over whether Matt Freese or Matt Turner will start in goal.
"I know very well the mentality of Paraguay — the aggressivity, the competitiveness," said Pochettino. "My expectation is tomorrow is going to be a very tough game. They are not only competitive and aggressive but they have good quality and a great coach in Gustavo Alfaro. It's going to be very, very difficult."
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro emphasized the significance of the occasion for his country.
"It has been a countdown from the moment we secured qualification," Alfaro said. "We know this isn't just another game; it's a different game with characteristics unlike any other we might ever play. Here at the World Cup, it goes by fast, it's ruthless — it's the details and circumstances that you need to capitalize on."
The fixture also revives a historic World Cup rivalry. The two nations met at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, when the United States claimed a 3-0 victory courtesy of Bert Patenaude's historic hat-trick — the first treble ever scored in World Cup history.
Los Angeles Stadium, opened in 2020, becomes one of the tournament's showcase venues, located just 30 minutes from the iconic Rose Bowl, which hosted the 1994 World Cup final.
Canada set for historic home opener
Earlier in the day, Canada will make history by playing their first-ever FIFA World Cup match on home soil when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto in Group B.
Jesse Marsch's men will look to capitalize on home advantage against a Bosnia side that booked their place in the tournament by eliminating Italy in the European play-offs.
Canada coach Marsch expressed confidence in his team's preparation heading into the landmark occasion.
"I don't think I will get nervous," Marsch said. "My job is to prepare the players, giving them the best opportunity to go out and be free, know their roles, and be themselves. This team has always performed well since I've been here because of their quality, their character and the clarity they have on the pitch."
Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio echoed his coach's belief.
"I think we have enough experience that, regardless of what is going to happen tomorrow, we're capable of playing the game on our terms," Eustaquio said. "The Canadians are going to show up and they're going to be loud, and hopefully they're going to push us for a good result."
Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez acknowledged his team's underdog status but insisted his players are eager to make an impression.
"We are a small country. This is our second ever World Cup, and for sure we are sort of an underdog in many of the matches ahead," Barbarez said. "It's one of the opening games, which is a tremendous honour, and we really want to show our best to the whole world. We want to be the team that earns respect."
Toronto Stadium will become the first Canadian venue to host a FIFA World Cup match, adding another chapter to the city's rich football history, having previously staged matches at FIFA youth tournaments.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gathers momentum, day two offers Canada and the United States a chance to ignite national celebrations and set the tone for their campaigns in front of passionate home crowds.
