"I came here to lead them in the World Cup, right, in a home World Cup. I wanted this responsibility," he said. "I love sitting in that coach's box when the stadium's full and the pressure's on and everybody thinks you're an idiot."

The former US international had been tipped as a possible head coach for his home country after he was sacked by Leeds United in 2023.

But he ended up north of the border, with a chance to secure Canada's first ever FIFA World Cup victory.

Canada qualified for two previous FIFA World Cups, 1986 and 2022, but lost all six of their matches.

Hopes are higher this year with a roster that includes several players competing in top European leagues.

But Marsch said Canada's top player, Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, remains unavailable for the Bosnia match because of a hamstring issue.

"We did an MRI with him yesterday. It showed very positive signs that he's healing incredibly well," Marsch said, confirming Davies "will not be available tomorrow."

Stephen Eustaquio will captain the home side in the first ever FIFA World Cup match in Canada.

Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Italy to qualify for their second FIFA World Cup, and head coach Sergej Barbarez said his side had plenty of experience playing higher-ranked countries.

"We are, of course, sort of an underdog here," Barbarez said, adding: "the road (to the tournament) was by no means easy.

But he noted that his team's ability to surprise rivals has limits.

"I love this game between David and Goliath, but the world gets to know you after a while."

Source: AFP