Canada earned a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, securing the country’s first-ever point at the senior men’s tournament.
Playing before an electrifying crowd in Toronto, the co-hosts fought back late to avoid defeat and boost their hopes of progressing from Group B.
Canada had previously lost all three matches at both the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Head coach Jesse Marsch named a largely expected lineup, with Maxime Crépeau starting in goal. The backline featured Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea and 20-year-old Luc de Fougerolles, who stepped in for the injured Moïse Bombito.
Stephen Eustáquio captained the side in midfield alongside Ismaël Koné, Liam Millar and Tajon Buchanan, while Jonathan David partnered Tani Oluwaseyi in attack.
Veteran striker Cyle Larin started on the bench, and regular captain Alphonso Davies missed the game as he continues recovering from a leg injury.
Canada created the first real opportunity in the 17th minute when Jonathan David tested Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj with a powerful left-footed effort from inside the box.
However, the visitors struck first four minutes later. Jovo Lukić rose highest from a corner kick to head Bosnia and Herzegovina into the lead, continuing their reputation as a dangerous side from set pieces.
Canada pushed hard for an equalizer before halftime. Oluwaseyi fired narrowly over in the 32nd minute, while the hosts earned 10 corner kicks in the opening half, but Bosnia held onto their advantage heading into the break.
The Canadians came close again in the 53rd minute when Richie Laryea appeared to have scored after racing through on goal, only for a desperate defensive intervention to force the ball onto the crossbar.
Marsch responded with attacking substitutions in the 61st minute, introducing Jacob Shaffelburg, Promise David and Ali Ahmed. The changes injected fresh energy into Canada’s forward play as the pressure intensified.
Larin was eventually brought on in the 76th minute, and the experienced striker delivered the moment the home supporters had been waiting for.
In the 79th minute, Larin produced a brilliant turn at the edge of the penalty area before smashing home the equalizer, sparking wild celebrations inside Toronto Stadium.
The draw leaves Canada in a promising position in Group B ahead of their remaining matches. Qatar and Switzerland, the other teams in the group, are scheduled to meet in Santa Clara, California on Saturday.
Canada will next face Qatar on June 18 before taking on Switzerland on June 24, with both matches set to be played at BC Place in Vancouver.
Teams receive three points for a win and one for a draw during the group stage, with the top two sides advancing to the Round of 32. A third-place finish could also be enough to qualify, depending on results in other groups.
