Canada secures first World Cup point with 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Canada collected their first point in a men's World Cup finals on Friday, a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto's BMO Field. The result snapped a run of six straight defeats across Canada's two previous tournament appearances and gave Jesse Marsch's side an opening fixture they could build from.

Bosnia strikes early

Bosnia took the lead in the 21st minute. A short corner routine found Sead Kolasinac, whose flick-on was nodded in from close range by Jovo Lukić. It was the Universitatea Cluj forward's first international goal, in just his fourth cap and his first competitive start for the senior side. Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau misjudged the near-post run and was left stranded.

The hosts had earlier squandered a golden chance when Jonathan David shot straight at goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. Bosnia sat deep after scoring, conceding possession but limiting clear openings.

Kolasinac’s goal-line intervention

Canada's response after the interval was fierce. A low cross found Richie Laryea in the box, but Kolasinac lunged to block the shot, sending it against the crossbar and away. Polish television commentator Grzegorz Mielcarski called it "something unbelievable" that the ball stayed out. The Atalanta defender also cleared another effort almost off the line moments later.

Larin rescues Canada

Marsch turned to his bench in the 76th minute, sending on forward Cyle Larin. Within three minutes Larin latched onto a threaded pass from Promise David and fired low into the net to equalise. The BMO Field crowd erupted as Canada finally broke their World Cup duck.

“It always hurts to lose a game when you're leading with ten minutes to go, but we had luck and we have to be realistic, so 1-1 is a real result. It's a good point for us ahead of the next phase. It certainly opens the door to advancement.”

Late collision splits opinion

Deep into stoppage time, Vasilj raced off his line to beat Tani Oluwaseyi to a bouncing ball and followed through into the Canadian forward's temple. Referee Facundo Tello did not produce a card.

“It's a very dangerous play. I know he got to the ball first, but after completing the action he hit him in the temple. That's the worst place to be hit.”

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann saw it differently, arguing that Vasilj had played the ball first and the contact was incidental, making a red card or penalty unjustified.

What comes next

The draw leaves both teams on one point in Group B. Bosnia face Switzerland on 18 June, while Canada meet Qatar the following day. The group also contains Switzerland, who play Qatar on 13 June. Canada's point keeps their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive in front of home support.

Bosnia's squad included Samed Bazdar, the on-loan Jagiellonia Białystok forward who became the first PKO Ekstraklasa player to feature at this tournament when he replaced goalscorer Lukić in the 62nd minute. Five players from Poland's top flight are involved across the 2026 finals.