Does Sead Kolašinac play today? Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup By Janderson Luiz
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Sead Kolašinac takes on a leadership role this Friday (12). The 32-year-old Atalanta defender is expected to start and captain the Bosnia and Herzegovina defense in their debut against Canada, at BMO Field, in Toronto, in the first round of Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The only survivor of the 2014 squad alongside Edin Džeko, he represents the necessary experience for a team in reconstruction.
Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, Kolašinac chose Bosnia and built a solid career in Europe. After spells at Schalke, Arsenal, Marseille and now Atalanta, the 1.83m defender stands out for his physical strength, leadership and ability to play. In the 2025/26 season in Serie A, he accumulates consistent minutes and is a pillar of the Bosnian defense, 64th in the FIFA rankings.
2014 Survivor and Reference
Kolašinac is one of the few holdovers from the 2014 campaign in Brazil. His trajectory inspires the new generation of talents such as Benjamin Tahirović and Esmir Bajraktarević. Sergej Barbarez counts on his maturity to organize the defensive line alongside Tarik Muharemović and protect Nikola Vasilj’s goal against the fast Canadian attack.
The left or central defender brings balance to the Bosnian 4-4-2. He understands the weight of playing against co-hosts Canada, 30th in the rankings, and seeks to help the team achieve a good result in the quest for unprecedented advancement in the group that still includes Qatar and Switzerland.
Canada will face experienced defense
Canada arrives without Alphonso Davies and with an attack led by Jonathan David and Cyle Larin. Kolašinac’s experience will be crucial in neutralizing attacks from the flanks and areas, especially at a packed BMO Field. Bosnia, motivated after the playoffs, is counting on him to start on the right foot.
Probable lineups and absences
Canada (4-4-2):Crépeau; Johnston, Cornelius, De Fougerolles, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Koné, Millar; David, Larin. Alphonso Davies and Moïse Bombito are absent.
Bosnia (4-4-2):Vasilj; Dedić, Katić, Muharemović, Kolašinac; Bajraktarević, Bašić, Tahirović, Memić; Demirović, Baždar (or Džeko). Haris Tabaković injured.
The referee is Facundo Tello (Argentina). The match starts at 4pm (Brasília time).
Where to watch live
The broadcast in Brazil is from CazéTV on YouTube. In Canada, the game has widespread coverage on local channels and FOX.
