Canada Gains First World Cup Point in 1-1 Draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina TORONTO — Canada secured its first-ever point in World Cup history on Friday, June 12, 2026, with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B at the Toronto stadium. The result marked a historic moment for the Canadian team, which had previously lost all three of its World Cup matches in 1986 and 2022. The game, played under the shadow of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower and amid a sea of red-clad fans, showcased the resilience of the squad and the support of its home crowd. The match began with Canada struggling to find rhythm, as Bosnia took an early lead through Jovo Lukic’s header in the 21st minute. Lukic, who replaced injured players Edin Dzeko and Haris Tabakovic, capitalized on a corner kick from Ivan Basic. The Bosnian striker, 27, became the first player to score for his country in the tournament, marking a significant milestone for a nation with a population of just over 3 million. Despite the setback, Canada’s defense held firm, and the team’s perseverance paid off in the second half. The turning point came in the 78th minute when Cyle Larin, who had entered the game as a substitute, scored the equalizer. Larin received a pass from Promise David, turned to evade a defender, and struck a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner. The goal, Canada’s second in World Cup history, was a testament to the player’s composure and the team’s tactical adjustments. “The crowd was incredible,” said coach Jesse Marsh. “We could feel the energy growing in the second half, and it gave us the push we needed.” Marsh highlighted the importance of the home support, noting that fans like actor Ryan Reynolds and NHL star Connor McDavid helped create an electric atmosphere.#canada #bosnia_herzegovina #cyle_larin #jovo_lukic #jessie_marsh
Edin Dzeko Returns for Bosnia's World Cup Opener Against Canada Bosnia-Herzegovina head coach Sergej Barbarez confirmed on Thursday that 40-year-old striker Edin Dzeko will be available for the nation’s World Cup opener against Canada on Friday. The decision comes after Dzeko, a veteran forward with 148 international caps and 73 career goals, had been sidelined since mid-May due to a right shoulder injury. The injury, sustained during Bosnia’s European playoff victory over Italy in March, has kept him out of action for over a month. Dzeko, who now plays for German club Schalke, is set to make his return in a crucial match for the 64th-ranked team. Barbarez, who has led Bosnia to their second World Cup appearance in 12 years, emphasized Dzeko’s importance to the squad. “People like Dzeko have earned, with the character and the mentality, praises to be sung about them,” the coach said through a translator at a pre-match press conference. “He doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody because he has done it all… I’m extremely happy to have such a player among our ranks.” Dzeko, who serves as the team’s captain and talisman, has been a key figure in Bosnia’s recent successes, including their qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament. Bosnia, grouped with Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar in Group B, faces a challenging path in the tournament. The team’s journey to the World Cup was marked by playoff wins over Wales and Italy, securing their place in the competition. Dzeko, a central figure in the squad, was fully involved in Thursday’s training session, signaling his readiness to contribute. The coach praised the team’s underdog mentality, stating, “We play with our hearts. That has been our advantage so far, but we should not underestimate the heart of Canadians. They are hosts and they deserve every respect.#canada #world_cup #edin_dzeko #sergej_barbarez #bosnia_herzegovina
