Canada makes FIFA World Cup history in first match
Canada dominated their opening match in Toronto at the FIFA World Cup.
And while they didn’t beat Bosnia and Herzegovina, settling for a 1-1 draw, Canada did make history.
Cyle Larin was the hero for the Canadians, scoring the goal that levelled the match in the 78th minute. The 31-year-old Brampton, Ont. native helped Canada earn the country’s first-ever point at a men’s World Cup.
CYLE LARIN TIES THE GAME FOR CANADA! pic.twitter.com/56YfnmtMQT
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 12, 2026
The Canadian men’s national team lost every match at each of their previous FIFA World Cup appearances, going 0-3 at Mexico 1986 and 0-3 at Qatar 2022.
Bosnia and Herzegovina silenced the pro-Canadian crowd early, when Jovo Lukić scored the opening goal off a corner in the 21st minute. The goal came just four minutes after Jonathan David missed a glorious chance to score first for Canada.
Tani Oluwaseyi almost scored Canada’s first goal in the first half (Kevin Sousa/Imagn Images)
The Canadians came agonizingly close to levelling the score on numerous occasions.
Tani Oluwaseyi had an open look but sailed the ball over the net in the first half, while Richie Laryea’s second-half shot deflected off a Bosnian player and off the crossbar.
Richie Laryea has a HUGE chance but it goes off the crossbar. pic.twitter.com/tDcvY4n2Vl
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 12, 2026
Canada played this game without their captain and best player, Alphonso Davies, who is injured. Moïse Bombito, Canada’s best central defender, also didn’t appear in the game due to an ailment.
Jacob Shaffelburg, Jonathan Osorio, and Ismaël Koné wave to the crowd (Lucas Medeiros/Offside)
The national team will now head west to Vancouver, as Canada plays Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 at BC Place.
A top-two finish in Group B would put Canada through to the knockout round at a men’s World Cup for the first time ever. Canada could also qualify by finishing as one of the eight best third-place teams.
You might also like: