Canada and Bosnia played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Toronto Stadium in the first match hosted in Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
The co-hosts picked up their first-ever point at the event and had Cyle Larin to thank, with the Southampton-bound forward scoring just a few minutes after coming on to cancel out Jovo Lukic’s first half goal.
Both sides remain on one point, with Switzerland and Qatar to face off in the other group stage match.
Lukic gives Bosnia first half win
The second opening ceremony took place at the Toronto Stadium ahead of the clash between the co-host and Bosnia, who had eliminated Italy in the UEFA playoff final to book their place here.
Veteran forward Edin Dzeko started on the bench due to fitness concerns for the European nation, while Alphonso Davies did not also make the lineup for the North African side.
Read Also: South Korea record comeback win over Czech in opening game
Both sides had several half chances in the opening exchanges, but it was Canada who had the biggest chance of the opening minutes when a loose ball dropped nicely for Davies. However, his attempt on his weaker left foot was easy for the Bosnia goalkeeper.
Then, the European side took the lead in the 21st minute from a set-piece as Lukic was on hand to head home after the ball was flicked onto his path. It marked the sixth time Canada had conceded the opening goal in their seven games at the World Cup.
Their response was very good and they piled pressure, but could not find a breakthrough as the half ended 1-0 to Bosnia.
Super-sub Larin snatches draw for co-hosts
Canada continued their probing in the second half and almost scored the equalizer after a superb team move, but Sead Kolasinac produced a stunning goal line clearance off the post to keep his side ahead.
Bosnia should have gone ahead to score at the other end but Demirovic could not convert when one v one with the goalkeeper.
Canada had another effort cleared off the line moments later when Tani Oluwaseyi’s header was blocked by Katic on the line.
Their persistence eventually paid off as Larin scored with a superb finish two minutes after coming on to make the scoreline 1-1 into the final 10 minutes of the clash.
Despite late efforts to snatch their first win at the World Cup, the game eventually ended 1-1 as both sides shared the spoils.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Canada 61% – 39% Bosnia
Total Shots: Canada 13 – 8 Bosnia
Shots on target: Canada 4 – 3 Bosnia
Pass Accuracy: Canada 75% – 64% Bosnia
Corners: Canada 9 – 4 Bosnia
What Next?
Canada face Qatar in their next match on Thursday, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will be in action against Switzerland on the same day.
