FIFA World Cup: Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina play 1-1 stalemate
Toronto, June 13
The FIFA World Cup 2026 clash between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada ended in a 1-1 draw after a strike from Cyle Larin in the late second half levelled the scores for co-hosts at BMO Field on Saturday.
Both teams now have a point each to their name. Canada is still awaiting their first World Cup win ever, having played seven matches at the highest level of international football.
Starting off the match, there was an early chance for Canada in the second minute, with Luc de Fougerolles getting the ball near the post after a scrap. However, despite firing from a close range, he could not get the finish his team wanted. Next minute, Bosnia made a chance, with Memic failing to clear a free kick despite having a good sight of the goal.
In the 10th over, Canada's Alistair Johnston got the first yellow card of the match, taking down Memic.
The stalemate continued for the next 11 minutes, with a header from Jovo Lukic guiding Bosnia to a 1-0 lead. A corner flicked on by Sead Kolasinac found Jovo, who wasted no time in producing a sensational header from two yards out, stunning the entire stadium. This is also their first FIFA World Cup goal since 2014, placing them at the lead against the co-hosts.
Jonathan David was also making some chances for Canada, but failed to find the net. Bosnia got a couple of yellow cards towards the end of the first half. The first half ended in Bosnia's favour.
Despite a superb ball possession of 65.8 per cent, 21 touches in the opposition's box and a total of eight shots, Canada looked short of luck.
Canada was off to a promising start in the second half, and Canada's appeal for a penalty was turned down, with Bosnian keeper Vasilj making contact with Oluwaseyi and falling on the ground. But on seeing the replays, Vasilj got a hand on the ball before body contact with his opponent, with a penalty appeal turned down.
The match went on with Bosnia cruising towards a victory despite some fine challenges from Canada. But it was a 79th-minute strike from Cyle Larin that got the stadium back to life again. Some nice play from Kone eventually fed the ball to Cyle, and his volley took a slight deflection before settling in the bottom right corner of the net.
The scoreline stayed undisturbed till the very end, with both sides sharing points.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Hearing 'co-hosts' and 'BMO Field' in a World Cup context feels surreal. Here we are still fighting for qualification and Canada, USA, Mexico get to host automatically. Not jealous or anything... okay maybe a little! But good to see underdog stories like Bosnia holding their own. 👏
I'm still waiting for the day I can watch India play in a World Cup match like this. Even a draw would feel like a victory for us! But honestly, kudos to Canada for fighting back till 79th minute. Never give up spirit is something our boys need to learn from teams like these.
Football analysis - Canada's xG must have been way higher than Bosnia's but they couldn't finish. Larin's goal was a pure striker's instinct, that deflection made it tricky for the keeper. Also, that penalty appeal was controversial but VAR seemed to justify the decision. Bosnia defended well as a unit.
I just find it funny that Bosnia's first World Cup goal since 2014 was against co-hosts Canada. What a moment for them! And Canada still hunting for that elusive first win after 7 matches in their history. The wait continues! But honestly, football is about moments like that header - pure class.
As someone who follows football regularly, Canada are improving but this draw shows they still have a long way to go. 65% possession is useless if you can't score. Our ISL teams face the same problem sometimes. Good tactical discipline from Bosnia though - absorbing pressure and hitting on counter. Classic European approach!
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