2026 World Cup: Bosnia holds Canada to a draw in Toronto

Canada stumbles in its home opener at the 2026 World Cup: the North American team drew 1-1 in its first Group B match against Bosnia, disappointing the nearly 50,000 fans who packed the stadium in Toronto. Barbarez’s team, which eliminated Italy in the March playoffs, took the lead in the first half through Jovo Lukic (with Dzeko on the bench) and was pegged back in the second half by Larin’s goal. Group B also features Switzerland and Qatar, who will make their debut on Saturday evening at 9 p.m.

A lively first half, with Bosnia looking better early on, but the first chance fell to Canada’s Jonathan David: in the 17th minute, the Juventus forward squandered it by shooting too centrally in front of Vasilj. Four minutes later, the Bosnian team took the lead: in the 21st minute, following a corner kick, Kolasinac flicked the ball on to Jovo Lukic, who tapped it in to put his team ahead and silence the Toronto crowd.

Spurred on by their fans, Canada took control of the game but struggled to create dangerous chances and find openings in the Bosnian defense. There was too much disorganization in attack for the North Americans, who didn’t have a clear chance until the 32nd minute, when Oluwaseyi curled a shot just wide.

In the second half, Canada’s pressure remained constant, while Bosnia dropped too deep and began to struggle. In the 53rd minute, Kolasinac makes a decisive save, deflecting Laryea’s sure shot onto the crossbar. Barbarez’s team has a huge chance in the 55th minute with Demirovic, who, launched on a counterattack, surprises the Canadian defense but then squanders the opportunity in front of Crepeau.

Canada’s head coach Jesse Marsch makes the right substitution in the 77th minute, bringing on Larin for Oluwaseyi: the substitute scores the equalizer just three minutes later. Set up on the edge of the box by Promise David, Larin turned quickly and beat Vasilj with his right foot, aided by a slight deflection off Katic.

With the score tied at 1-1, Canada continued to attack in search of the win, while Bosnia lost Kolasinac to injury. Italy’s underdogs gritted their teeth and managed to secure a valuable draw against the hosts.