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The first FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil delivered drama, fear and, most importantly, a point.
Canada’s historic World Cup game on home soil is now behind us, and it almost became a national wake. Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the scoring in the 21st minute through striker Jovo Lukic, who headed home his first ever international goal from a point-blank range after Sead Kolašinac’s near-post corner kick.
For an hour, some 43,000 fans at Toronto Stadium stared down a familiar nightmare. Then Cyle Larin’s 78th-minute equalizer saved the 1-1 tie and the first point in Canadian men’s World Cup history.
Here are four takeaways from the match.
1. Bosnia can cause problems
Those who watched Bosnia and Herzegovina eliminate Italy on penalties in the playoffs already know that this is a well-organized team with young talent. There is real technical ability everywhere in midfield and attack. Benjamin Tahirovic dictates the pace while Esmir Bajraktarević plays with swagger. The defense is anchored by Tarik Muharemovic, perhaps the most underrated centre-back at this World Cup – composed in possession, ruthless in the duels, never rushed.
Canada threw everything at this backline and kept finding bodies: Nikola Katic cleared Tani Oluwaseyi’s header off the line and Kolašinac deflected Richie Laryea’s goal-bound effort onto the crossbar.
This team feels like they are playing with house money after defying the odds to beat Italy in the World Cup qualifying final.
2. Cyle Larin, of all people
(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Write this one down because it’s a pub quiz answer forever: Larin had been on the court for two minutes when he spun and ripped a deflected shot into the bottom corner, becoming just the second Canadian ever to score at a men’s World Cup. The first was Alphonso Davies, who watched this one from the bench.
Larin’s redemption arc is almost too crazy: he lost his starting place to Tani Oluwaseyi, hadn’t scored for his country in almost two years and came into the match as an afterthought. Ninety seconds later, he had scored arguably the most important goal in program history. It secured Canada’s first World Cup point after six consecutive defeats between 1986 and 2022. History was written courtesy of the veteran forward from Brampton, Ontario.
3. Canada misses Fonzie — badly
(Photo: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Alphonso Davies missed the game with a hamstring injury and his absence was felt throughout. The attacking burden shifted squarely to Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time leading scorer, who was coming off a difficult debut season at Juventus. David got his golden chance in the 17th minute and fired it straight at the keeper from 12 yards. Just like we’ve seen time and time again this season, he fluffed his lines.
Here’s the main problem: without Davies’ electrifying pace, dribbling and directness, defenders can focus entirely on stopping David. Fonzie doesn’t just create; his mere presence eases the pressure on everyone around him. Canada generated almost 70% possession and a mountain of corners.
Of course, the team was also unlucky, but it could have been a different story with Davies on the field. The Canadian medical staff will now try to earn their salary.
4. Group B mathematics
(Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
According to the bookmakers, Switzerland is the group favorite and Qatar is the word. If the odds are right, this was a de facto final for second place in the group. A draw keeps both teams alive and solves nothing. Switzerland and Qatar meet on Saturday, and once that result lands, the picture sharpens: If the Swiss win as expected, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina are chasing both, and Canada’s date with Switzerland will be the kind of match that defines a generation.
The encouraging part for Marsch was the performance. Canada created enough to win this twice. The worrying thing is that creation and conversion do not go hand in hand. Canada will need to be more clinical in front of goal. This group lacks an elite superpower, but the parity is undeniable.
4 ½. What’s next?
Both of these teams will be back in action next Thursday, June 18. Bosnia and Herzegovina plays its second Group B match at Los Angeles Stadium against Switzerland, which faces Qatar on Saturday (3 p.m. ET on FOX/FOX One).
Canada, meanwhile, will take on Qatar next Thursday at 6 p.m. ET (FS1/FOX One). The big story going into that game will be whether Davies is available for selection.
