TORONTO — Canada will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field, with the home side entering as clear favorites in a Group B match that carries significant implications for advancement in the expanded 48-team tournament.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Canada is listed at -120 on the 90-minute money line, Bosnia and Herzegovina at +360 and a draw at +240. The over/under for total goals is set at 2.5. SportsLine expert Martin Green, who has gone 18-8 on recent Champions League picks, is leaning toward the Over 2.5 goals in this matchup.

Team Form and Key Players

Canada, ranked 30th in the FIFA standings, is eager to advance past the group stage for the first time in its history. The team boasts attacking talent including forwards Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. Larin has scored 30 goals in 90 appearances for the national team, while David has netted 39 times in 77 matches.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked 64th, features veteran striker Edin Džeko as its standout performer. The 40-year-old has scored 73 goals in 148 appearances for his country. Despite the ranking difference, Bosnia has shown scoring capability, finding the net in six of its last seven matches, including multiple goals in recent friendlies and qualifiers.

Green highlighted the potential for goals. “The teams look evenly matched, and both of them should find the back of the net in this game, but home advantage may ultimately prove decisive for Canada,” he said.

Group B Context

Group B also includes Mexico and Paraguay, making every point valuable in the expanded format. The top two teams from each group advance automatically to the round of 32, with the eight best third-place finishers also progressing. This structure provides more opportunities for teams like Canada to make history.

A strong result in the opener would set a positive tone for Canada, which benefits from home support in Toronto. Bosnia will need to be resilient on the road and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities against a motivated Canadian side.

Tactical Outlook and Betting Considerations

Canada is expected to control possession and press high, leveraging its home advantage and attacking depth. Bosnia may sit deeper and look for transitions through Džeko and midfield creators. The over/under line at 2.5 goals reflects expectations of an open contest, with Green favoring the Over based on recent scoring trends for both sides.

SportsLine’s analysis suggests Canada should fare better overall this summer, but individual matches will test execution and adaptability. The 90-minute money line favors the hosts, though a draw remains a plausible outcome given Bosnia’s experience.

Historical Significance for Canada

This marks Canada’s return to the World Cup stage after previous appearances. Advancing from the group would represent a major achievement for the program and boost domestic football development. Home matches in the group stage provide a significant advantage, with passionate crowds expected at BMO Field.

Bosnia and Herzegovina aims to reach the knockout stage for the first time. The team’s blend of veteran leadership and younger contributors offers a mix of stability and potential, though the road fixture against Canada presents an immediate challenge.

Broader Tournament Implications

The 2026 World Cup’s expanded format has already delivered competitive early matches. Group B shapes up as balanced, with Canada and Mexico viewed as the primary contenders for top spots. Results in Friday’s opener could influence tactical approaches in subsequent fixtures.

Global audiences will watch closely as co-host nations and traditional powers navigate the opening round. Canada’s performance carries extra weight as one of the host countries, with national pride and long-term program goals on the line.

Preparation and Fan Expectations

Both teams have used recent friendlies and training camps to fine-tune strategies. Canada’s home advantage includes familiarity with conditions and vocal supporter backing. Bosnia will rely on tactical discipline to neutralize Canada’s attacking threats.

Fans in Toronto and across Canada are anticipated to create an electric atmosphere. Broadcast coverage will make the match accessible to domestic and international viewers, with streaming options available for those unable to attend in person.

What to Watch

Key storylines include Canada’s ability to convert home pressure into goals, Bosnia’s counterattacking efficiency, and individual performances from Larin, David and Džeko. Set-piece execution and midfield control could prove decisive in a match expected to feature end-to-end action.

Green’s recommendation for the Over 2.5 goals aligns with both teams’ recent scoring patterns. Bettors will monitor line movements and injury updates as kickoff approaches.

Conclusion and Series Outlook

Canada enters Friday’s match as the favorite, supported by home soil and superior recent form. Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a difficult assignment but possesses the talent to cause problems on the counter. The result will shape Group B standings and set the tone for both teams’ tournament ambitions.

As the 2026 World Cup continues, matches like this highlight the competitiveness of the expanded field. Canada has the opportunity to make a statement in front of its supporters, while Bosnia seeks a positive result to build momentum. The afternoon clash at BMO Field promises an intriguing start to Group B play with significant stakes for both nations.

The expanded tournament format rewards strong starts, making Friday’s opener particularly important. Fans worldwide will tune in to see whether Canada can capitalize on home advantage or if Bosnia can pull off an upset in Toronto.

NEW YORK — SpaceX’s landmark initial public offering is projected to generate thousands of new millionaires among its employees, from engineers and technicians to support staff including cafeteria workers, highlighting the broad wealth creation potential of the company’s historic Nasdaq debut.

The rocket and satellite firm, led by Elon Musk, priced its shares at $135 ahead of Friday’s trading start, with the offering expected to raise approximately $75 billion and value the company at around $1.78 trillion. Reports indicate the IPO could mint roughly 4,400 new millionaires within the SpaceX workforce, reflecting significant equity compensation distributed across all levels of the organization.

A widely shared post on X captured the sentiment, featuring an illustration celebrating the news with the caption “God bless Capitalism.” The post quoted earlier information from Polymarket noting the expected creation of 4,000 new millionaires and quickly gained traction, resonating with discussions about employee ownership and the rewards of long-term commitment to innovative companies.

Employee Equity and Company Culture

SpaceX has long emphasized equity participation for its workforce, aligning incentives with the company’s ambitious goals in reusable rocketry, Starlink satellite internet and future Mars missions. Employees at various levels, including those in manufacturing, operations and support roles, have benefited from stock options and grants accumulated over years of service.

The anticipated wealth creation underscores how high-growth technology companies can distribute substantial value beyond top executives. Many SpaceX staff members joined when the company was still a startup facing significant technical and financial risks. Their contributions to milestones like Falcon 9 reusability and Starship development have now translated into life-changing financial outcomes for thousands.

This model of broad-based equity has been praised by supporters as a prime example of capitalism rewarding innovation and hard work. It contrasts with more traditional industries where such widespread wealth creation is rarer. Discussions on social media highlighted the inclusivity, noting that roles from rocket engineers to cafeteria staff stand to benefit.

IPO Details and Market Impact

SpaceX’s offering is one of the largest in history. The company is selling 555.6 million shares, with underwriters holding an option for an additional 83 million. At the $135 price, Musk’s approximately 42% stake positions him to potentially become the world’s first trillionaire, depending on opening trading performance.

Investor demand has been robust, with reports of the offering being oversubscribed. SpaceX targeted a notably high retail allocation of around 30%, far above typical IPOs, allowing broader public participation. The debut is expected to be volatile, typical for high-profile technology listings, as market makers establish an opening price.

The IPO provides SpaceX with substantial capital to accelerate Starship development, expand Starlink coverage and pursue long-term objectives like interplanetary travel. It also marks a transition to greater public scrutiny and quarterly reporting requirements.

Broader Economic and Social Discussion

The news has sparked conversations about wealth inequality, employee ownership and the role of innovation in economic growth. Proponents argue that SpaceX’s success demonstrates how visionary companies can create widespread prosperity. Critics raise questions about concentrated wealth and its societal impacts, though the broad employee participation has tempered some criticism.

Comparisons to past industrial revolutions have emerged, with SpaceX’s achievements in reducing launch costs and enabling global connectivity viewed as transformative. The company’s culture of pushing technological boundaries while rewarding contributors at all levels has been highlighted as a model for modern enterprise.

SpaceX’s Journey and Future Outlook

Founded in 2002, SpaceX has grown from a small startup to a leader in commercial spaceflight. Reusable Falcon rockets have dramatically lowered costs, while Starlink provides internet to remote and underserved regions worldwide. NASA contracts for crew and cargo missions to the International Space Station have cemented its role in human space exploration.

The IPO represents validation of this journey and provides resources for even bolder ambitions. Musk has consistently emphasized making humanity multiplanetary, with Starship designed for missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

As trading begins Friday, focus will shift to market reception and SpaceX’s performance as a public company. Strong debut trading could further boost employee morale and attract additional talent, while setting a positive tone for innovation-driven enterprises.

Public Reaction and Sentiment

Social media responses to the millionaire-creation news have been largely positive, with users celebrating the rewards for dedicated workers. Posts emphasized the team effort behind SpaceX’s achievements, from rocket launches to satellite deployments. Many viewed the wealth distribution as a tangible example of capitalism’s potential to uplift individuals who contribute to groundbreaking work.

The discussion has also touched on broader themes of opportunity, innovation and the American dream in the technology era. While some expressed skepticism about valuation sustainability, the prevailing tone has been one of excitement for those benefiting from years of hard work.

Looking Ahead

SpaceX’s public debut marks a new chapter for the company and its thousands of employees. The projected creation of thousands of millionaires serves as a powerful narrative of shared success in a high-stakes industry.

As markets open Friday, the world will watch to see how investors value one of the most influential companies of the modern age. For SpaceX staff, the IPO represents the culmination of years of dedication and a significant financial reward for helping advance humanity’s presence in space.

The event underscores the transformative power of private enterprise and the potential for technology companies to create widespread economic opportunity. Whether the stock opens above or below the $135 offer price, the broader story of employee wealth creation will likely endure as a highlight of the offering.

Investors, employees and observers alike anticipate a memorable debut for SpaceX, one that celebrates innovation while highlighting the human element behind groundbreaking achievements. The coming days will provide further insight into market sentiment, but the narrative of thousands of new millionaires already stands as a compelling chapter in the company’s remarkable journey.

Bloom & Mindel Victorian warehouses set to contain 80 apartments

Manchester’s MCR Property Group has bought a warehouse conversion residential development and says it will push the project forward after years of delay. MCR has acquired the Grade II-listed Bloom & Mindel Victorian warehouses in Bloom Street, which have permission to be converted into 80 homes.

Plans for the scheme were first submitted in 2016 and won planning permission in 2020, but the scheme has not progressed. MCR founder Aneel Mussarat says his company is already working with project consultants, construction partners and contractors to move it forward, and says the group will also work with Manchester City Council on planning.

It’s the latest big acquisition for MCR, which last month announced it was buying the landmark CIS Tower.

The Bloom & Mindel scheme will include 80 one, two and three-bedroom apartments,with original features including exposed brickwork, timber beams and cast-iron columns retained.

Aneel Mussarat, founder of MCR Property Group, said: “Bloom & Mindel has remained without development progress for a number of years, and our acquisition marks an important new chapter for these significant heritage buildings. We are actively engaged with our project consultants, construction partners and contractors to progress the scheme, while working closely with Manchester City Council to discharge the relevant planning and listed building consent conditions.”

“MCR Property Group has a strong track record of delivering complex redevelopment projects and bringing challenging sites back into productive use. That experience gives us the capability required to progress a heritage scheme of this nature while protecting the architectural features that make the buildings so distinctive.

“As a Manchester-based business, we are proud to be investing in our home city. Our ambition is to deliver high-quality new homes, secure the long-term future of these important buildings and make a positive contribution to the surrounding area.”

MCR’s other local developments include the nearby Harter Street residential development. In October, it agreed a a £250m debt facility to support its acquisition and growth plans.

In April, the company bought a London hotel and apartments portfolio for £123m, and in March it acquired Swindon’s former Intel UK headquarters and announced a £130m residential-led redevelopment.

MCR’s Bloom & Mindel project team includes Fletcher Rae, TIER, Black Sheep Homes, Paul Butler, Consulux, SOCOTEC and Peak Sustainability.

Economists warning of deeper damage to growth later in the year

The UK economy lost steam in April, according to official figures, as the energy price shock stemming from the Iran war weighed heavily on businesses and consumers alike.

The Office for National Statistics reported that GDP fell by 0.1 per cent in April.

The services sector shrank by 0.2 per cent, while manufacturing output recorded no growth whatsoever. Construction, however, staged a modest recovery, posting growth of 0.1 per cent.

Across a three-month period, growth came in at 0.7 per cent, building on the momentum established during the first quarter of the year.

“Services were again the driver [over three months] with a particular strength in computer programming, marketing and wholesale companies across the three months, while construction showed some further signs of recovery after a weak winter,” said Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, as reported by City AM.

Reeves said: “Before the conflict in the Middle East, growth was higher than expected and inflation was falling. This is not a war we wanted or joined, but one that will have an impact at home.”

The figures illustrate how the early disruption to international trade along the Strait of Hormuz, following the outbreak of the Iran war in March, has already begun to affect UK households and businesses.

Economists have warned that the UK economy faces a more significant blow yet, as the knock-on effects of trade disruption are expected to feed through into the data later this year. Inflation is also anticipated to climb as the conflict with Iran continues, fuelling concerns that interest rates may need to rise.

The Bank of England is due to convene again next year to reassess the risk of inflation accelerating over the coming months.

Tensions have flared once more in recent days, dashing hopes of a peace agreement between the parties involved, with Iran launching missiles towards Israel and the US striking Iran’s vital infrastructure.

Fergus Jimenez-England from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research said he anticipated a slowdown in the UK economy to “intensify as higher energy costs feed through the economy, with the impact likely to be felt most acutely in the third quarter as the energy price cap rises”.

KPMG chief economist Yael Selfin said: “In contrast to 2022, subdued domestic demand is limiting firms’ ability to pass these higher costs on to consumers, which is likely to squeeze profit margins.

“This could lead firms to scale back investment plans, particularly against the backdrop of higher borrowing costs and geopolitical uncertainty.”

Global economy heading for weakest growth since pandemic.

The world economy is also on course to slow to its weakest growth rate since the pandemic, driven by the energy price shock that has pushed oil prices beyond $90 per barrel.

The World Bank said on Thursday that global growth was projected to reach 2.5 per cent, down from the 2.9 per cent figure for 2025. World Bank president Ajay Banga warned that developing nations outside of China and India would bear the heaviest burden, stating they will have “collectively experienced nearly a decade of no progress on narrowing their per capita income gap with advanced economies”.

The UN body also cautioned that economies across Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East would expand at a slower pace than those in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

The sluggish growth figures across the UK and beyond are likely to ring alarm bells for Treasury officials, who are already locked in a battle with other government departments over stretched budgets.

Growth in the first quarter of the year was estimated at 0.6 per cent, though some of those gains are expected to be eroded by ongoing global conflicts.

On Thursday, John Healey quit the government, citing Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves’ failure to allocate sufficient funding to defence as his reason for stepping down.