Ivan Bašić plays a central role this Friday (12). The 24-year-old midfielder, from Astana, should be a starter for the Bosnia and Herzegovina team in their debut against Canada, at BMO Field, in Toronto, in the first round of Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Born in Imotski, Croatia, he opted for Bosnia and established himself as one of the names of the new generation that took the Zmajevi back to the World Cup after 12 years.
Bašić is enjoying a solid moment in his career. At 1.78m, the central midfielder stands out for his reading of the game, ability to steal balls, precise distribution and balance between defense and attack. In the 2025/26 season with Astana in the Kazakhstan Premier League, he contributed consistently after spells at Zrinjski Mostar and Orenburg. With 17 senior caps since 2023, he forms the basis of Sergej Barbarez’s midfield with Benjamin Tahirović and others.
European trajectory and adaptation
A graduate of Zrinjski Mostar, where he won the Bosnian league title, Bašić moved to Russia in 2022 and then Astana in 2025. His tactical intelligence and deft left foot make him essential for controlling the tempo and protecting the defense. He already has experience in European competitions and in qualifying, where he helped in the dramatic classification.
At 24 years old, Bašić has the ambition of making history in the first World Cup since 2014. His presence helps neutralize Canada’s strong midfield, with players like Stephen Eustaquio and Ismaël Koné.
Canada will face organized midfield
Canada, 30th in the FIFA rankings and hosts, arrives without Alphonso Davies and with a fast attack. Bosnia, 64th in the ranking, will depend on Bašić’s work to contain Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan and company, supporting the attack with Ermedin Demirović and Samed Baždar 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 (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.
