Alphonso Davies out, Bosnia face Canada without their star

Alphonso Davies ruled out

Canada's biggest weapon won't be on the pitch when Bosnia-Herzegovina kick off their World Cup tonight. Alphonso Davies has been ruled out of the Group B opener through injury (1). The Bayern Munich star was the name circled on every Bosnia team sheet, his explosiveness down the left is a game-breaker, and his absence reshapes Canada's entire attacking structure. For Bosnia, this is a genuine opening. The co-hosts lose their captain and their most dangerous player.

Tonight's stakes

The match kicks off Friday evening in Toronto, with Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina both knowing this is the group-stage game that could define their tournament (2) (3). Group B also features Qatar and Switzerland, so points here are non-negotiable for either side hoping to reach the knockout stage. Canada carry the weight of being co-hosts. Bosnia carry the hunger of an underdog with a real chance now.