Does Stephen Eustaquio play today? Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup By Janderson Luiz
2 min read
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Stephen Eustaquio is experiencing one of the most special days of his career this Friday (12). The 29-year-old midfielder, vice-captain of the national team, is expected to wear the captain’s armband in Canada’s debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina, at BMO Field, in Toronto, in the first round of Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Alphonso Davies injured, he takes the lead on the field.
Born in Leamington, Ontario, Eustaquio represents the perfect bridge between Canadian roots and European experience. Trained in Portugal, where he played for Porto for years, he is currently on loan at LAFC. With more than 56 call-ups, 4 goals and 4 assists for the CanMNT, the 1.78m player is seen as the “glue” of Jesse Marsch’s team.
Tactical pillar and leadership
Eustaquio stands out for his tactical intelligence, ability to dictate the pace and physical presence in midfield. Alongside Ismaël Koné, he forms a midfielder duo that protects the defense and feeds the attack with Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan. Marsch praises his maturity and ability to command the group in moments of pressure.
As interim captain, he carries the burden of motivating the host team in search of Canada’s first World Cup victory. His trajectory — from Portugal under-21 to the Canadian team in 2019 — inspires the new generation.
Bosnia faces Canadian control
Bosnia and Herzegovina, 64th in the FIFA rankings, arrive motivated after the UEFA playoffs and have experienced strikers. Canada, 30th in the ranking, will depend on Eustaquio’s control in the middle to neutralize threats and explore the flanks in the group that still has Qatar and Switzerland.
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.
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.
