Canada open World Cup campaign with 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Co-hosts Canada secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup point after fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opening Group B match at Toronto Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2026.

The historic fixture, the first men’s World Cup match played on Canadian soil, saw Bosnia and Herzegovina take an early lead through Jovo Lukic before substitute Cyle Larin struck in the second half to salvage a point for the hosts.

Despite Canada’s bright start, Bosnia and Herzegovina went ahead in the 21st minute. Sead Kolasinac flicked on a corner kick, allowing Lukic to lose his marker and head home from close range for his maiden international goal.

Canada responded with urgency and created several opportunities as they sought an equaliser. The home supporters were briefly lifted when Ismael Kone carved open the Bosnia defence with a precise pass to Tani Oluwaseyi.

Although Jonathan David failed to make clean contact with Oluwaseyi’s delivery, Canada maintained the pressure. Alistair Johnston later picked out David with a dangerous cross, but the forward’s effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and came close on several occasions, only to be denied by the woodwork, goal-line interventions and a determined Bosnia defence.

Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 79th minute when Larin, introduced from the bench, found the breakthrough to level the scores and spark celebrations among the home crowd.

“We were desperately unlucky to fall behind,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said after watching his side control large portions of the contest before eventually finding an equaliser.

The result marked a historic moment for Canada, who had entered the tournament still searching for their first World Cup point following previous appearances in 1986 and 2022.

Canada will now shift focus to their second Group B encounter against Qatar in Vancouver on June 18, encouraged by a performance that showcased resilience and attacking intent despite being held to a draw.