In the opening match of Group B at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, host Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia at home, securing the nation's first-ever World Cup point.
Bosnia took the lead in the 21st minute when Jovo Lukic scored from a corner kick rebound—his first international goal. Canada pressed relentlessly throughout the first half, repeatedly getting the ball into the box, but their finishing lacked quality as the Bosnian defense cleared wave after wave.
After the break, Rich Laryea looked certain to score from a one-on-one in the 53rd minute, only for Sead Kolasinac to make a goal-line clearance with a header that struck the crossbar. Elmedin Demirovic then had a breakaway chance, but Maxime Crepeau made a crucial save. Crepeau was making his World Cup debut after missing Qatar 2022 with a broken leg in 2022.
In the opening stages, Jonathan David also had a powerful shot from inside the area that was blocked directly by the goalkeeper.
In the 76th minute, coach Jesse Marsch brought on Cyle Larin. Within three minutes of coming off the bench, Larin turned and struck with his right foot from inside the penalty area, with the ball deflecting in to level the score at 1-1. Larin became the first player to score for Canada at a home World Cup.
Canada finished with 61% possession, 13 shots, four on target, nine corners, 415 passes at 75% accuracy, and two yellow cards. The team is currently ranked 30th in the FIFA rankings, down one spot from the previous edition. The draw fell short of the flying start Canada had hoped for, but on the opening day of Group B play, that historic first point is finally on the board.
