Canada draws with Bosnia and Herzegovina for first FIFA World Cup point
On a bright afternoon under clear skies, 43,002 fans filled Toronto Stadium for the first World Cup match ever staged in Canada, turning the occasion into a national celebration.
Saturday June 13, 2026
Jovo Lukic (C) of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates after scoring during the group B match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada, June 12, 2026. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)
- Advertisement -
Canada marked its first World Cup appearance on home soil with a milestone result on Friday, drawing 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina to earn the country’s first-ever point in FIFA World Cup history.
On a bright afternoon under clear skies, 43,002 fans filled Toronto Stadium for the first World Cup match ever staged in Canada, turning the occasion into a national celebration.
Bosnia and Herzegovina brought sharp organization and tactical discipline to the opening half, and the visitors struck in the 21st minute when Jovo Lukic rose to meet a corner and headed the ball into the net.
After the break, Canada pushed forward with greater urgency, driven on by a loud home crowd that stayed on its feet throughout the second half.
Trying to shift the momentum, head coach Jesse Marsch turned to forward Cyle Larin after halftime.
The move delivered almost immediately. In the 78th minute, Larin collected a pass in the box, spun past pressure and fired a shot that deflected off a Bosnia and Herzegovina defender before crossing the line.
It was only the second goal ever scored by a Canadian player at a World Cup.
The response inside the stadium was immediate, as the stands shook with cheers, applause and embraces from fans savoring the moment.
Canada still had a late chance to steal all three points in stoppage time, but Larin’s touch left Tarik Muharemovic with just enough time to intervene and make a vital block, preserving Bosnia and Herzegovina’s draw.
Even so, the result gave Canada a meaningful lift and strengthened its chances of reaching the knockout stage.
When the final whistle sounded, Marsch gathered his players in a circle on the field for a postgame talk. Long after the match ended, many supporters remained in the seats, rising to give the team a standing ovation in recognition of the historic night.
