Canada 1-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina: Co-hosts held in World Cup opener at BMO Field
TORONTO, June 12, 2026
Canada began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina at BMO Field, Toronto, in Group B’s opening fixture. The match marked the first-ever World Cup game played on Canadian soil.
Jesse Marsch’s side dominated possession and created the better chances, but failed to turn pressure into three points. Jonathan David wasted an early opportunity to put Canada ahead, dragging his shot wide after a slick move down the left. That miss proved costly as Bosnia struck against the run of play.
Jovo Lukic broke the deadlock in the first half, heading home a corner from Ivan Basic to give Bosnia a 1-0 lead. The goal sent the Bosnian supporters behind the net into celebration and silenced the 43,036-home crowd.
Canada responded in the second half and equalized to make it 1-1, but found Bosnia’s defense stubborn. Richie Laryea came closest to a winner in the 53rd minute when his shot was cleared off the line by Sead Kolasinac, ricocheting off the crossbar and back into play. A late goalmouth scramble also came to nothing as Canada pushed for a late winner.
The hosts controlled 61% possession and outshot Bosnia 11 to 7, but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. Canada captain Alphonso Davies missed the game through injury, leaving Marsch without his biggest star. For Bosnia, veteran Edin Dzeko was benched, with Ermedin Demirovic leading the line instead.
Both teams finished with two yellow cards each. Lukic and Demirovic were booked before halftime for Bosnia, while Alistair Johnston was cautioned for Canada.
The draw means Canada are still chasing a first World Cup point after defeats in 1986 and 2022. Marsch’s side now turn attention to their next group game against Qatar in Vancouver on June 18. Bosnia will face Switzerland as they aim to build on this result.
With Morocco and Portugal also in Group B, the group remains wide open after matchday one.
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