World Cup: Bosnia hold Co-hosts’ Canada to draw in opening match

Canada missed a host of chances and had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite outplaying their European opponents, the World Cup co-hosts fell behind to Jovo Lukic’s first half but secured a point with a second half Cyle Larin. It […]

Canada missed a host of chances and had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite outplaying their European opponents, the World Cup co-hosts fell behind to Jovo Lukic’s first half but secured a point with a second half Cyle Larin.

It is the first World Cup point ever for the Canadians who avoided defeat for the first time in their World Cup history.

Juventus striker Jonathan David wasted a gilt-edged chance on 17 minutes when he met a cutback at the centre of the box but his shot was too central and was dealt with by goalkeeper Vasilj.

The Bosnians took the lead against the run of play on 21 minutes, Saed Kolasinac flicked on a corner kick delivery for Lukic to slot home at the far post for the lead with his first ever international goal.

Jesse Marsch’s side continued to attack but was denied by a goal-line clearance, while Derek Cornelius blazed wide before the break.

It was more of the same in the second period, with Tani Oluwaseyi’s effort following a terrific skill in the box was saved, and another goal-line clearance followed.

They eventually gave the home crowd the goal celebration they deserved on 78 minutes though Larin who collected Promise David’s clever flick and produced an emphatic finish for 1-1. The striker’s goal extended his record as Canada’s all-time goalscorer to 31 goals.
Larin almost won it in the dying seconds of added time but saw his effort blocked, and both sides settled for a share of the points in Group B. Canada will face Qatar next, while Bosnia will next face European brothers Switzerland.