Co-hosts Canada earned a historic first-ever FIFA World Cup point after coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener at Toronto Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The match, the first men’s World Cup fixture ever staged on Canadian soil, began on a cautious note before Bosnia and Herzegovina struck first in the 21st minute. Defender Sead Kolašinac redirected a corner into the danger area, where Jovo Lukić escaped his marker to head home from close range for his maiden international goal and silence the home crowd.
Canada responded with increased intensity, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Ismaël Koné unlocked the Bosnian defence with a sharp pass that released Tani Oluwaseyi, but Jonathan David was unable to apply the finishing touch as the opportunity went begging.
The hosts continued to pile on pressure, with Alistair Johnston later delivering a dangerous cross that found David again, only for goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to make a comfortable save. Canada’s dominance grew as they struck the woodwork on more than one occasion and were repeatedly denied by last-ditch defending.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute when substitute Cyle Larin rose to the occasion, finishing clinically to level the score and send the home supporters into celebration.
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch praised his team’s response after going behind, noting their control of large phases of the game and resilience in attack.
The result hands Canada a landmark point in their World Cup history, having previously failed to register a point in their earlier appearances at the global tournament.
They now turn their attention to their second Group B fixture against Qatar in Vancouver on June 18, buoyed by a spirited performance that underlined their competitiveness on home soil
