Canada and Bosnia claim historic first World Cup point in 1-1 Toronto draw
Cyle Larin’s late strike gave Canada a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their 2026 World Cup opener at BMO Field, preventing the co-hosts from joining Qatar as the only host nations to lose their first match.
Opening ceremony at BMO Field
Toronto's BMO Field was alive with colour and music before the Group B opener. Canadian singer Michael Bublé and Italian-Canadian star Alessia Cara led a ceremony that included dancers representing Canada's Indigenous heritage and giant puppets of iconic wildlife – a polar bear, a whale and a moose. Alanis Morissette, Jessie Reyez, William Prince, Nora Fatehi and French rapper Vegedream also performed, with Vegedream reprising his "Ramenez la coupe à la maison" anthem from France's 2018 victory.
Bosnia strikes first
Canada entered the match as clear favourites but started nervously. Jonathan David, the Juventus forward, squandered a golden chance in the 11th minute, firing straight at Nikola Vasilj. Bosnia grew in confidence and took the lead in the 21st minute. Ivan Basić's left-footed corner was flicked on by Sead Kolašinac, and Jovo Lukić, a physically imposing 190-cm striker, headed home from close range. Lukić came into the tournament in red-hot form after scoring 20 goals in 37 matches for Romanian club FC Universitatea Cluj during the 2025-26 season.
Larin's late leveller
With talisman Alphonso Davies sidelined due to fitness concerns, Canada laboured to break down a well-organised Bosnian defence coached by Sergej Barbarez. The hosts pressed harder after the break but were repeatedly frustrated. The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute when substitute Cyle Larin – introduced only three minutes earlier – pounced on a loose ball to make it 1-1. The goal sparked wild celebrations at BMO Field and salvaged a historic point for the co-hosts.
- Kick-off at BMO Field, Toronto
- Jovo Lukić heads Bosnia in front from a corner
- Substitute Cyle Larin equalises for Canada
- Full-time: Canada 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Avoiding Qatar's embarrassment
Canada's draw ensured they would not repeat the fate of 2022 hosts Qatar, who became the first host nation to lose their opening match, falling 2-0 to Ecuador. The previous evening, co-host Mexico had launched the tournament in style with a 2-0 win over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. The third host, the United States, was set to face Paraguay a few hours later.
A milestone for two nations
Before Friday, Canada had played six World Cup matches across their 1986 and 2022 campaigns and lost every one. Bosnia's only previous appearance, in 2014, brought a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in their opening game. The 1-1 draw was therefore both nations' first-ever point at the tournament, immediately lifting the mood in Group B.
Group B takes shape
The point left Canada and Bosnia level at the top of Group B after the first round of matches. The group's other game, between Qatar and Switzerland, was scheduled for Saturday evening at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. With both co-hosts now off the mark, the stage is set for a competitive fight for knockout places.
