Canada failed to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening match of the 2026 home World Cup. The Group B meeting in Toronto ended in a 1-1 draw. Astana midfielder Ivan Bašić started for the Bosnian side. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Group B, Matchday 1, June 13, 00:00, Toronto, BMO Field
CANADA – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 1:1 (0:1). Goals: Lukić 21 (0:1), Larin 78 (1:1)
Canada played their first match of the home World Cup with the support of their fans and started actively, but conceded first. In the 21st minute, Bosnian striker Jovo Lukić opened the scoring after a corner kick.
Sergej Barbarez's team focused on tight defense after the goal and held off the hosts' pressure for a long time.
In the second half, the Canadians increased the pressure and managed to avoid defeat near the end of the match. In the 78th minute, Cyle Larin equalized, finishing off the hosts' attack.
After that, Canada tried to push for a winner, but the Bosnian team held on for a draw. As a result, both teams earned one point after the first round.
For Canada, this result was historic: the team earned points at a World Cup for the first time. Previously, the Canadians participated in the 1986 and 2022 World Cups, but finished both tournaments without points.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is playing in their second World Cup in history. In the second round, the team will face Switzerland, while Canada will play against Qatar.