Co-hosts Canada grabbed a second-half equaliser to draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday in the first World Cup finals match ever played on Canadian soil.
Cyle Larin scored Canada’s goal after Jovo Lukic had put Bosnia ahead with a header in the 21st minute in Toronto. The result gave Canada its first point in World Cup history.
Canadian sides had previously endured a perfect record of futility across two tournament appearances – in 1986 and 2022 – suffering six defeats from six matches.
Early Lead for Bosnia
Lukic’s goal from a corner sent the small but enthusiastic Bosnian contingent at Toronto Stadium into a frenzy. Canada enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half but struggled to generate clear-cut chances.
The stadium erupted in the 17th minute when forward Jonathan David had a clean shot on goal, but his effort was comfortably handled by Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Midfielder Ismael Kone had a golden opportunity in the 30th minute, but his strike sailed well over the crossbar, prompting groans from tens of thousands of Canadian supporters who had blanketed the stadium in a sea of red.
Second-Half Breakthrough
The second half began in similar fashion, with Canada largely on the attack but unable to find the net. Bosnia’s veteran defender Sead Kolasinac then saved a certain goal when he deflected a strike from David onto the crossbar, extending Canada’s agony.
However, Larin’s strike in the 78th minute marked a high point in Canada’s limited World Cup history, causing a predominantly Canadian crowd of 43,000 to erupt. Canada threatened to go ahead in the final minutes, narrowly missing a goal just before the final whistle.
Celebrity Attendance
Canadian entertainment royalty attended the match at the home of MLS side Toronto FC, including film star Ryan Reynolds – a Vancouver native – and Saturday Night Live and Austin Powers star Mike Myers, who was born in Toronto.
