Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina summary: score, stats, goals & highlights | World Cup 2026 Group B

A red-letter day for Larin

It's been a productive afternoon for Larin: he has also gone second on the list of the Canada men's team's most-capped players.

Today was his 91st appearance for the Canucks. Only Atiba Hutchinson, with 104, has more Canada appearances.

Larin joins the list

Cyle Larin is only the second ever Canadian to score a goal at a men's World Cup.

Canada went scoreless in 1986, before Alphonso Davies netted one of their two in Qatar, scoring against Croatia. The other, against Morocco, was an own goal. 

Canada's Cyle Larin celebrates his leveller for the hosts.

When do Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina play next?

As for Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina, their attentions now turn to matchday two, when they're in action on June 18.

Canada's second Group B game is against Qatar in Vancouver, at 6:00 p.m. ET. The Bosnians, meanwhile, take on the Swiss in Los Angeles, California, at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Group B: How things now stand

After that opening draw, then, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina both add a one to their points column.

We'll now have to wait until tomorrow for Switzerland and Qatar's matchday-one points totals: they play in their Group B opener at 3:00 p.m. ET in Santa Clara, California.

Peeep peeep peeeep! The points are shared.

For Canada, it's a historic first point at a World Cup. Jesse Marsch's men certainly deserve it; they brought most of the attacking initiative to today's game at BMO Field. Cyle Larin's equalizer was a fine, fine piece of finishing.

Bosnia-Herzegovina, who took the lead through Jovo Lukic's first-half goal, came within 10 minutes or so of a huge victory - but it would certainly have been more than they merited. 

As I said earlier, though: given that third place may well be enough to go through, a matchday-one draw really isn't the worst result. 

And Larin almost has a second!

It's excellent work from Laryea on the left. He jinks his way into crossing space on the left-hand byline, whence he plays it into Larin at the near post. 

Larin controls and shoots, but Muharemovic throws himself in front of it.

That's fine defensive play from Shaffelburg, who tracks back to reclaim possession, just as the Bosnians were preparing to mount an attack on the right.

Having won the ball back, the Canadians are urge forward by the home support. 

And when Canada clear, Katic cuts short the counter-attack with a foul that earns him a yellow card.

Just for a moment, Promise David thinks he's got the chance to hare forward down the right wing... but Facundo Tello disabuses David of that notion when he blows for a Bosnian free-kick on the left.

The free-kick is pumped high into the Canadian box, but to no effect.

Six minutes of time added on at BMO Field.

A free-kick for Canada, and a very inviting one. Deep on the right, with Eustáquio standing over it. Canada send plenty of men forward for it - is this their moment?

Nope: Eustáquio's delivery is high, long and right down Vasilj's gullet.

Back come Canada. On the right, Ahmed feeds it inside to Eustáquio, before advancing into the box in search of the return.

The return, though, is weakly hit. Bosnia-Herzegovina bring it clear.

Now a long, volleyed clearance suddenly releases Demirovic on the right of the Canada half. He's got space to push forward, and has men charging forward in support. 

But he loses it.

Bazdar runs at Laryea on the right-hand side of the Canada half, surging into the box. The pair both tumble to the turf as they tussle just inside the box, but Facundo Tello waves away any suggestion of a penalty.

The Bosnians are given a corner, but proceed to do naff-all with it.

Kolasinac is hurt. He limps off, and is replaced by Burnic.

So. What now? Can Canada snatch a winner?

Given the format of this year's tournament, with eight third-placed teams progressing, Marsch and Barbarez could both decide that a point wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, either.

It's a really lovely finish from Larin. It's also a lovely assist from Promise David, who brushed the ball into Larin's run with a deft, outside-of-the-boot flick.

Another substitution for Canada, who withdraw Oluwaseyi for Kyle Larin.

Kerim Alajbegovic, by the way, is so much younger than Edin Dzeko that he hadn't even been born when the latter made his Bosnia-Herzegovina debut. 

Dzeko was given his Bosnian bow in June 2007, three months before Alajbegovic, 18, was born.

Sergej Barbarez makes another double change, replacing Bajraktarevic and Memic with Sunjic and Alajbegovic.

For Bosnia-Herzegovina, meanwhile, victory at BMO Field would be their second win at a World Cup.

We're back underway in Toronto.

Canada have just under 20 minutes, plus stoppage time, to avoid defeat. A reminder that it would be the Canucks' seventh defeat in seven World Cup games: they lost three out of three in 1986 and 2022.

Sead the savior

Bosnia-Herzegovina's Sead Kolasinac keeps Laryea's goalbound shot out.

World Cup 2026

How do hydration breaks work during the 2026 World Cup and how long do they last?

In case you missed it earlier in this feed, my colleague Roddy Cons has the lowdown on the hydration break.

Another set piece for Canada, but again it comes to nought.

And it's time for the second-half hydration break.

Canada continue to press; now they win a free-kick on the right.

It's played short to Ahmed, who jinks and turns into the Bosnian box, but can't create a shooting chance.

A moment earlier, by the way, Canada worked the ball onto the head of Oluwaseyi at the back post, but he could only knock it down right into Vasilj's hands.

Now Eustáquio controls and shoots from 25 yards out, but sends his strike wide.

Receiving on the left-hand corner of the box, Eustáquio did everything right until he hit his shot. It flew well off target.

Right away, Promise David picks the ball up in the Bosnian area, just around the penalty spot.

Receiving with his back to goal, he tries to spin and shoot - but can't get enough on his effort. It may also have been slightly deflected by a Bosnian boot; I couldn't see properly.

Either way, it trundles through to Vasilj, who gathers with ease.

A triple change for Canada. Millar, Jonathan David and Buchanan are off for Shaffelburg, Ahmed and Promise David.

Bosnia-Herzegovina also make a substitution, replacing two players: Basic and Lukic are off for Gigovic and Bazdar.

Another famous Canadian face in the Toronto crowd...

Having had that chance to double their lead, the Bosnians are encouraged enough to come forward and win a corner on the right.

The delivery is plopped right into the middle, where Muharemovic meets it - but nods it well off target.

Bosnia-Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic (left) competes for the ball against Canada's Tani Oluwaseyi in Toronto.

Right away, Demirovic has an excellent, excellent opportunity to double the Bosnians' lead.

It's just a hopeful punt forward, really... but it falls right at the feet of Demirovic, who is suddenly haring in on goal. Crepeau comes out to meet him - and, with Demirovic dallying massively, does enough to put him off!

One-nil it remains. Somehow.

My word. How in the name of the almighty has that stayed out? Canada should be level.

It's very neat buildup play from the hosts, who play a series of first-time passes that culminate in Eustáquio slipping Laryea into the area, in plenty of space to shoot.

Laryea beats Vasilj with his strike, but Kolasinac somehow manages to stretch out a boot to turn it onto the post! And it bounces out. Blimey.

Uff. Oluwaseyi is again in the thick of the action, clashing heavily with Vasilj as he chases a high through ball over the Bosnian defense.

Vasilj fairly cleans Oluwaseyi out just inside the box - but the forward was offside, so any discussion of a potential penalty is rendered moot.

It was quite the collision between the pair, but thankfully they're both up and, apparently, unharmed.

Right away, it's fine play from Oluwaseyi to open up the Bosnian defense. 

There's an audible “ooh” from the home fans as he spins on the right before heading towards goal, but Vasilj is quickly down to get a firm hand to Oluwaseyi's low ball into the six-yard area! The Bosnians clear.

There are indeed no changes for either side.

Peeeep! We're back underway in Ontario.

Teams back out!

Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina have both emerged from the tunnel in Toronto, where the second half is imminent.

It doesn't look like there are any half-time changes.

World Cup 2026

Mauricio Pochettino: “Playing soccer is one thing, competing at the highest level is another”

After this afternoon's game in Toronto, we'll have one more co-host still to kick off its campaign: the USMNT, who face Paraguay in Group D at 9:00 p.m. ET tonight.

Here's what the USMNT head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, had to say ahead of the Stars and Stripes' World Cup opener.

World Cup 2026

The powerful story behind Esmir Bajraktarevic’s rise from U.S.-born talent to Bosnian icon

Some half-time reading for you, in case you missed it earlier in this feed.

Today's Bosnia-Herzegovina team includes a player born and raised in North America: Esmir Bajraktarevic, a Wisconsin native whose parents fled to the U.S. in the wake of the Bosnian War in the 1990s.

Read more about the ‘Milwaukee Messi’.

World Cup 2026

Canada denies Thomas Partey entry ahead of Ghana’s World Cup opener

Some Canada-related World Cup news from Group L.

My colleagues Víctor Martín and David Nelson have the full story on Canadian authorities refusal to allow Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey into the country.

Partey, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, is facing multiple ongoing legal cases involving allegations of rape in the U.K., dating back to his time as an Arsenal player.

Reynolds rooting for Canada

Canada's most famous soccer fan is, unsurprisingly, in the house in Toronto.

Jovo Lukic (center) celebrates his goal for Bosnia-Herzegovina, who lead at half time in Canada.

Peeep peeep peeep! That's half time in Toronto.

Canada have done most of the attacking, but Bosnia-Herzegovina have done all the scoring.

Yet another corner for Canada. Can they snatch a leveller before the half-time whistle?

Nope.

Cornelius meets the delivery with a firm header, but it's firmly off target.

Canada have carried most of the attacking initiative, particularly after going behind. But unless they can produce something right now, they'll be going in for the break one down.

Another booking for Bosnia-Herzegovina. Lukic goes into Mr. Tello's notebook after catching Buchanan late.

We're into the first of four minutes of time added on.

Bosnia-Herzegovina emerge from their half once more, courtesy of a long, rather hopeful punt for Bajraktarevic to chase. 

Chase it he does, but Laryea is there to hold him off, and shepherd the ball behind for a goal-kick.

Demirovic is booked for a rather tardy challenge on Cornelius.

For what feels like the first time in about 25 minutes, Bosnia-Herzegovina cross the halfway line. 

Memic wins a throw-in on the left... but that's where the Bosnians' attack comes to an end. They do zilch with it.

Oh, that's a shame for David. He tries to pull down a dropping ball inside the box, but it bounces off his foot.

Had David been able to control, he may well have had a rather good shooting chance.

Again Canada push down the wing, Buchanan carrying it to the right-hand byline.

One corner becomes two... and there are shouts of approval from the home fans.

The second corner is finally worked to Koné, who tries to slip a low ball into the box - but sees his pass cut out.

Eustáquio's left-wing delivery is absolutely fizzed into the danger area. It flies right onto Oluwaseyi's bonce, but it's as if it comes at him too quickly. He can't get his head in the right position to turn it towards goal, and the chance is lost.

Bosnia-Herzegovina have scarcely left their half since Lukic's opener. Canada are really pressing for a leveller.

On the left, Millar drives at his man, bursting past a backpedalling Dedic. The Bosnians finally get it behind for a corner.

That's multiple chances Canada have now had to score. The finishing, though, has been a little bit ropey.

Ten minutes remain in this first half.

Oh, dear. Oluwaseyi does so well to create the chance, but he makes a right old mess of his shot.

He holds off Muharemovic ever so well, before spinning and haring into the Bosnian area. 

But when he opens up his body to send a left-footed effort on goal, he gets it all wrong. His strike flies high, wide and oh so very handsome.

It's all being played in the Bosnian half right now.

Millar drives towards the byline on the right, and flops to the turf in search of a free-kick. He doesn't get one.

Back come Canada. A corner is whipped over from the right, finally dropping to Millar.

He feeds it into David on the left, where Canada win a free-kick.

It's a free-kick that the Bosnians clear; but as the Europeans seek to launch a break, the hosts win the ball right back.

The decibels rise inside BMO Field, when Millar slips a nice little ball into the Bosnian box towards David.

He can't do anything with it, but Canada are producing a spritely response to going behind.

Back underway.

What response have Canada got?

And we stop for the mandatory hydration break.

As things stand, Canada are heading for a seventh defeat in their seventh World Cup game.

Back underway... Jesse Marsch's side have to find a way back in!

The corner is whipped in, flicked on at the front post, and it's Jovo Lukić who gets in front of his marker to put his country in front!

Replays show Marsch going absolutely spare on the touchline. 

On the right, Johnston steps forward before slapping a shot towards goal. It's blocked - but the loose ball falls right to David, in acres of space just inside the area.

Can he fire Canada ahead? No, he cannot!

He comes up with a rather weak effort, it really must be said. Vasilj is the grateful recipient.

Now Canada show good attacking intent down the other flank.

Oluwaseyi is released on the left, before whipping a quick ball into the area. Nobody in a red shirt can connect, but a moment later...

Johnston shakes off the blow of that booking, though, to take a smart, quick throw-in that finds David's run down the right.

David drives to the byline, before crossing - and Muharemovic has to look alive to cut the delivery out.

Said free-kick comes to zip. But it's very much suboptimal for Canada that their right-back already has a yellow card hanging over his head.

Oh, just as I'm about to write that Canada are getting a better handle on things, Oluwaseyi plays a very loose pass.

So loose, indeed, that Johnston has to haul down Memic as the Bosnian sets off into acres of open space in the Canadian half.

It's a yellow card all day long for Johnston - and it's a dangerous-looking free-kick for the Bosnians.

Now Canada do bring the ball into the Bosnian half, though.

They win a throw-in for Millar to hurl into the area - but it's fairly comfortably dealt with by the Bosnia-Herzegovina defense.

It's not like Bosnia-Herzegovina are pinning the Canadians back, or anything; but the ball has remained pretty much solidly inside the hosts' half for the past few minutes.

Milestone for Marsch

Per Opta, Jesse Marsch has become the first American coach to take charge of a non-U.S. team at the men's World Cup.

After that encouraging first couple of minutes for Canada, it's been all Bosnian ball in the few minutes since then.

Again, a high ball into the box finds a white and blue shirt. But despite arrowing right onto Lukic's head, Basic's cross is headed off target.

On the left, the Bosnians win a free-kick, which is promptly whipped into the box, towards the back post.

Said delivery is knocked down to the penalty spot, where Memic is arriving like the proverbial express train. He's got space to shoot... but blazes it well over! That was a fine chance to silence the home fans right away.

Eustáquio delivers low, towards the near post. But Bosnia-Herzegovina clear.

Not only do they clear, but they march up the field and create the first clear chance!

Right away, Canada work it left to Olawuseyi, who is tackled by Dedic.

It's out for a throw-in, which Millar will sling into the mixer.

Sling it into the mixer he does... and the Bosnians scramble it behind for the game's first corner.

Peeeep! Mr. Tello gets us underway!

Right then. Time for some association football.

Who's the referee? Who's the VAR?

Match referee Facundo Tello leads a largely Argentinian group of officials.

His assistant referees are Juan Pablo Belatti, Gabriel Chade, both also Argentinian, while the fourth official is the Saudi Khalid Alturais.

The video assistant referee, meanwhile, is Argentina's Hernán Mastrangelo, and Uruguay's Antonio García is the assistant VAR.

Time for "O Canada"

An anthem with no lyrics, it would appear.

Now, Alanis Morissette steps up to lead the home fans in a rendition of “O Canada”.

Here they come!

Out come the players! It's anthem time.

Bosnia-Herzegovina first.

Teams in the tunnel!

It's almost go-time in Toronto. The players are lined up and waiting to emerge.

Just over five minutes separate us from kickoff in Group B.

And a final reminder of the Bosnia-Herzegovina team:

A last look at the Canada lineup:

Here comes Bublé!

With just about 10 minutes to go until kickoff, we're now being given an additional little opening ceremony.

The flags of all 48 World Cup participants have been carried out onto the field, where Michael Bublé is now engaging in some world-class crooning.

World Cup 2026

Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT coach, on the World Cup’s new rules: “The soccer we know is going to stop existing”

Mauricio Pochettino, the coach of Canada's fellow co-host the USMNT, isn't a fan of the mandatory cooling break.

This is what Pochettino had to say about the rule change recently.

World Cup 2026

How do hydration breaks work during the 2026 World Cup and how long do they last?

Fifteen minutes or so to go until kickoff in Canada. A reminder, by the way, that this is the first men's World Cup that will have mandatory water breaks at the midpoint of each half.

FIFA, world soccer's governing body, announced the move in December. Previously, cooling breaks had only been used at the World Cup if temperatures crossed a maximum threshold.

My colleague Roddy Cons has the full lowdown on the World Cup's new hydration-break rules.

What the coaches said: Jesse Marsch

Canada's Jonathan Osorio warms up at BMO Field.

What the coaches said: Sergej Barbarez

Bosnians bouncing

Bosnia-Herzegovina fans inside the BMO Field ahead of kickoff in Toronto.

At a glance: Bosnia-Herzegovina's recent form

Last five results:

Jun. 6: Panama 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina, friendly
May 28: Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-0 North Macedonia, friendly
Mar. 31: Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-1 Italy, WCQ*
Mar. 26: Wales 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina, WCQ*
Nov. 18: Austria 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina, WCQ

*Bosnia-Herzegovina won on pens

When was Bosnia’s last defeat?

That said, there may have been a lot of draws, but there have been almost not defeats of late: just one in the past year.

The Bosnians have not lost since a 2-1 qualifying defeat to Austria in Zenica in September 2025.

Bosnians draw it out

Of late, though, the Bosnians have been specialists in stalemates. Coached by the 54-year-old Barbarez, who is in his first senior head coaching role, the Dragons head to North America on quite the run of draws.

The men from the Balkans have finished level in their last five games (two of which, against Italy and Wales in the World Cup playoffs, they then won on penalties, admittedly).

Bosnia-Herzegovina's last win in regulation time was back in November: a 3-1 qualifying win over Romania.

Bosnians seek second win at second World Cup

A player who has scored 148 caps for the Dragons, Dzeko scored one of his 73 international goals when the Bosnians were last at the World Cup, back in 2014.  

Like Canada in '86 and ’22, Bosnia-Herzegovina came bottom of their section: defeats to Argentina and Nigeria condemned them to fourth place in Group F in Brazil

Unlike Canada, though, the Bosnians’ limited World Cup experience does include a win. In their final group game in 2014, they beat Iran 3-1 in Salvador, thanks to goals by Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic and Avdija Vasajevic.

Dzeko one of 2026's top five oldies

Dzeko, by the way, is the fifth oldest player at this World Cup. At 40 years and 87 days old, he's behind only: 

1. Craig Gordon, Scotland: 43 years & 163 days old)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal: 41 & 127)
3. Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico: 40 & 334)
4. Luka Modric, Croatia (40 & 276)

Bombito has made "incredible progress" - Marsch

As he returns from that broken leg, Bombito suffered some sort of flare up when Canada faced Uzbekistan in a World Cup warm-up earlier this month.

There were doubts over whether the center back would even remain in Canada's roster for the World Cup - but he was confirmed in the 26-man squad yesterday, with the No. 15 shirt.

“He has made incredible progress over the past month, and certainly over the last week, and it made the decision relatively easy that we should keep him in the group,” Marsch said.

Marsch "hopeful" over Davies

On Davies, Marsch has said that Canada are optimistic that the Bayern Munich player will not miss the entire tournament. 

“We are really hopeful that over the next days and week that we can accelerate things and give him a chance to contribute here soon,” Marsch told reporters this week.

No Dzeko for Bosnians; Canada missing big names

For Bosnia-Herzegovina, the big news is that Edin Dzeko, the team's all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker, is only on the bench. The 40-year-old has recently had to contend with a shoulder injury.

For Canada, meanwhile, Luc de Fougerolles deputizes for star defender Moise Bombito, who has been struggling with his recovery from a broken leg last October. The hosts are also without their captain, Alphonso Davies, who had already been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Confirmed Bosnia-Herzegovina lineup

Sergej Barbarez has also named his team: Vasilj, Dedic, Muharemovic, Katic, Kolasinac, Memic, Tahirovic, Basic, Bajraktarevic, Lukic, Demirovic.

Confirmed Canada lineup

Jesse Marsch has named his starters in Toronto. Canada line up thusly: Crepeau, Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea, Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar, David, Oluwaseyi.

World Cup 2026

The powerful story behind Esmir Bajraktarevic’s rise from U.S.-born talent to Bosnian icon

You can read more about Esmir Bajraktarevic's story in this profile of the 21-year-old.

How the Bosnians' playoff win unfolded

Although Moise Kean gave Italy an early lead, the visitors then had to play with 10 men: after 41 minutes, Alessandro Bastoni saw red.

Italy held on until 10 minutes from time - but their advantage went up in smoke when Haris Tabakovic levelled for the Bosnians.

When the game then went to a shootout, Francesco Esposito and Byran Cristante both missed for the Italians - allowing Esmir Bajraktarevic to score the winning spot-kick for the hosts.

A player born and raised in the U.S., Bajraktarevic stamped the Bosnians’ ticket to North America with a penalty that juuust squirmed undernearth Gianluigi Donnarumma's body.

How did Bosnia-Herzegovina qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

They qualified by dumping out a four-time world champion, that's how. 

Bosnia-Herzegovina may be the lowest-ranked team in Group B, but they claimed a major, major scalp on their way to North America.

In a qualification playoff final at the end of March, the Bosnians edged out Italy on penalties in Zenica, condemning the Azzurri to a third straight absence from the World Cup.

Sergej Barbarez's men had advanced to the playoffs after finishing second to Austria in their World Cup qualifying group.

Opening ceremony: done

Ah, that's it, for now at least. Bublé and Morissette to follow closer to kickoff.

In the meantime, let's dive back into the soccer of all this. Specifically, let's focus on Bosnia-Herzegovina for a bit.

Empty seats in Toronto

We've now also heard from Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi and Vegedream at BMO Field, where there are a striking number of empty seats, it must be said.

All this music is very pleasant and very catchy; but it's all very much not the football I came for.

We want Bublé! We want Bublé! We want Bublé!

William Prince hands over to Alessia Cara, a Canadian-Italian singer-songwriter who's an Ontario native. She's belting out a jaunty little tune in front of what looks like the golden skeleton of a football. Sorry, my analysis will (in theory) get better when we get onto the soccer.

Opening ceremony underway!

Right then: the opening ceremony is underway in Toronto.

We are currently hearing from William Prince, a Canadian folk singer. There is also dancing by individuals in traditional dress, in what is a tribute to Canada's aboriginal communities.

World Cup 2026

Who is Team Canada head coach Jesse Marsch and has he ever been offered the USMNT coaching job?

You might, possibly, have heard that U.S.-Canada relations have been a shade strained of late. All of which makes it all the more eye-catching that the man leading the Canucks into their first ever home World Cup is himself American.

My colleague David Nelson has put together profile of Jesse Marsch, who has now been in charge for just over two years.

Stadium-bound!

The Canada players are on their way...

World Cup 2026

Three games and all losses: This is the host nation that hit rock bottom at the World Cup

Should you fancy reading more about Qatar and South Africa's group-stage exits as hosts, you might like to read this piece.

No pressure, lads...

...but the World Cup hosts have rarely exited the tournament at the first hurdle.

In the 22 men's World Cups that have been played since 1930, just two home teams have failed to progress beyond the opening round: South Africa in 2010, and Qatar four years ago.

Bookies tip Canada to progress

Although the Swiss are the clear frontrunners to top Group B, Canada are next in line in the betting, with odds that most frequently hit the 2/1 mark.

At 30 in the current FIFA world rankings, the World Cup co-hosts are the second-highest-rated team in their section. Indeed, they're well ahead of Qatar and Bosnia-Herzegovina, who are down in 56th in 64th, respectively.

At a glance: Canada's recent form

Last five results:

Jun. 5: Canada 1-1 Rep. Ireland, friendly
Jun. 1: Canada 2-0 Uzbekistan, friendly
Mar. 31: Canada 0-0 Tunisia, friendly
Mar. 28: Canada 2-2 Iceland, friendly
Jan 17: Canada 1-0 Guatemala, friendly

Last-four finish at the Copa América

Marsch, who took over as Canada head coach in May 2024, also led the Canadians to the Copa América semifinals in 2024. The Canadians only missed out on a place in the final at the hands of the eventual champion, Argentina.

It was a tournament that saw the Canucks outperform their two World Cup co-hosts, who were both eliminated in the group stage.

Better luck in 2026?

This year, though, the Canadians not only have guaranteed home advantage in the group stage. They are also a team which, under their American head coach Jesse Marsch, have lost only one game in the past year.

Since going down to Guatemala on penalties in the Gold Cup quarterfinals in June 2025, Canada have put together a run of five wins and five draws in their last 11. That's a sequence, by the way, that includes eight clean sheets.

Canada's only reverse over the past 12 months was a 1-0 defeat to Australia, in an October friendly in Montreal.

Can Canada earn first World Cup points?

The Canadians head into their first ever home World Cup with just two previous experiences of the finals. And they both yielded three defeats in three first-round games.

In Mexico in 1986, Canada scored no goals on their way to finishing bottom of a group featuring the Soviet Union, France and Hungary. The Canucks did, though, hold out for 79 minutes against a French team that was the defending European champion at the time. Jean-Pierre Papin's late strike finally broke the deadlock, as Les Bleus won 1-0.

At the World Cup four years ago, Canada did manage to get on the scoresheet, netting twice in Qatar; however, they again came bottom of their group, after defeats to Belgium, Croatia and Morocco.

Canada kits: check

Anyway: the opening ceremony kicks off at 1:30 p.m. ET, in about 20 minutes.

In the meantime, here's confirmation that Canada's kit manager is earning their keep:

Soccer's best ever opening ceremony? No debate there...

While, I must confess, my interest in opening ceremonies is low-to-non-existent, I am prepared to be won over.

Take, for example, the pre-game razzmatazz at the 2009 Champions League final in Rome. That, for my money, is the gold standard of opening ceremonies.

Bocelli. The Champions League anthem. The Gladiator theme tune. Heaven. 

World Cup 2026

Who is Lisa? Get to know the Thai rapper and singer performing at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony

Should you be interested, we've also got this profile on Lisa,the history-making headliner in Los Angeles.

World Cup 2026

2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles: How to watch the performances on TV and online | Katy Perry, LISA…

If you want to find out more about the World Cup opening ceremony in the U.S., let me point you in the direction of this guide to the event, put together by AS USA's Corina González and Roddy Cons.

When is the third World Cup opening ceremony?

The 2026 tournament's third and final opening ceremony will be later today, before the USMNT's Group D clash with Paraguay.

The L.A. event is to feature the likes of Katy Perry and the Blackpink star Lisa, who makes history as the first female K-pop artist to perform at a World Cup opening ceremony.

The U.S. ceremony will be at about 7:30 p.m. ET, 90 minutes ahead of kickoff at SoFi Stadium.

Bosnian bonanza

The Bosnian supporters are not to be outdone, though:

Home fans in full voice

As we wait for the opening ceremony, there is plenty of singing going on already in Toronto: 

World Cup 2026

2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony in Toronto: How to watch the performances on TV and online | Alanis Morissette, Buble...

Here, courtesy of my colleagues Corina González and Roddy Cons, is more on what awaits us in today's second opening ceremony.

“Where do you stand on Michael Bublé?”

The other one I've heard of is, yep: Bublé. I am incapable of thinking of him without also thinking of this scene from The Trip:

Alanis on anthem duty

My music knowledge is such that I have heard of two of those confirmed artists, and you can probably guess which two.

Correct: Morissette is indeed one. The 52-year-old, a seven-time Grammy winner, will be performing the hosts' national anthem, by the way. It's called “O Canada”, and Wikipedia informs me that these are the lyrics:

English:

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee

French:

Ô Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits

Confirmed opening-ceremony performers

- Alanis Morissette
- Alessia Cara
- Elyanna
- Jessie Reyez
- Michael Bublé
- Nora Fatehi
- Sanjoy
- Vegedream
- William Prince

“A reimagining of the FIFA World Cup Trophy as a mosaic”

Today's opening ceremony will seek to reflect the blend of cultures that make up Canada, FIFA says.

“The ceremony in Toronto Stadium builds on the shared vision of the tournament's opening ceremonies across Canada, Mexico and the United States, each connected by one heartbeat while reflecting the identity of its host nation,” world soccer's governing body explains. “In Canada, that story comes to life through a reimagining of the FIFA World Cup Trophy as a mosaic, symbolising the people, cultures and communities that define the country.”

Morissette with the music

As I say, though, we have another opening ceremony to get through - sorry, enjoy - before Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina can square off this afternoon.

The second of an unprecedented trio of World Cup opening ceremonies, it follows yesterday's Mexico City pre-game event. At the Estadio Azteca, the Colombian pop icon Shakira was the headline act, performing her World Cup song “Dai Dai”.

Today, Ontario native Alanis Morissette will be among the stars taking to the stage at BMO Field, for the Canada leg of the World Cup’s three-ceremony bonanza. 

Group B begins

Today's matchup in Toronto kicks off Group B - a section that also features 2022 host Qatar, and Switzerland. The highest-ranked team in the group, at 19th in the world, the Swiss are the clear favorites to finish first.

After all, we're talking about a team that's an absolute knockout-stage staple: Switzerland has reached the last 16 in four of the last five World Cups. The group's other three teams have never made the World Cup knockouts.

Murat Yakin's Swiss team takes on Qatar on matchday one tomorrow, Saturday: Santa Clara, California is the venue for that clash, which is scheduled for at 3:00 p.m. ET.

The stage is set!

Toronto's BMO Field awaits this afternoon's action.

Two more co-hosts join the World Cup party

After yesterday's opening-day excitement, today sees the 2026 World Cup’s other two co-hosts kick off their campaigns.

In Los Angeles, the U.S. men’s national team opens up with a Group D game against Paraguay; that’s at 9:00 p.m. ET.

First, however, we have the game that is very much the subject of this here live feed. On matchday one of Group B, Canada plays its maiden World Cup game on home soil, in the team's first ever meeting with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
 

World Cup 2026

South Korea finds World Cup hero in thrilling comeback win over Czechia

Should you be inclined to have a gander, let me point you in the direction of our match report from South Korea's opening win over the Czechs.

This is what my colleagues Juan Lopesino and Javier Gálvez made of the game.

Koreans also begin with a win

After Mexico's win at the Azteca, day one's other Group A clash saw South Korea come from behind to start their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Czechia.

Hwang-in Beom and Oh Hyun-Gyu were on target for the Koreans in Guadalajara, after Ladislav Krejci had given the Czechs the lead.

All of this means that Mexico and South Korea lead Group A, each with three points. And, given that eight third-placed teams will be going through to the last 32, victory already leaves both with one foot in the knockout stages.

Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Mexico defeats nine-man South Africa in World Cup opener

This, meanwhile, was what AS México's Eduaro López made of El Tri's opening win over the South Africans.

Into day 2 of the 2026 World Cup

We're on to game three of a record 104 at this summer's World Cup, after day one of the tournament brought wins for South Korea and, first of all, co-hosts Mexico.

In the World Cup's opening game at the Estadio Azteca, Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored for the Mexicans, as El Tri eased to a 2-0 win over a defensive, deeply disappointing South Africa.

It was a game that witness THREE red cards; bear mind that there were four in total at Qatar 2022.

This was my colleague Dane Arlauckas's minute-by-minute report of the match.

Kickoff preceded by opening ceremony

Before kickoff in Toronto, though, we'll also have the second of this World Cup’s three opening ceremonies.

That starts some 90 minutes before the game, at about 1:30 p.m. ET.

What time does Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina kick off?

BMO Field, the 45,000-capacity home arena of MLS team Toronto FC, will be the setting for today's matchup.

Kickoff in Ontario is at 3:00 p.m. ET - so in about three hours' time. We’ll bring you team news just as soon as it’s in.

Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina: welcome!

Hello there! So: history is about to be made today, as Canada becomes the 19th country - by my count - to have staged a game at the men's World Cup.

Appearing at only their third finals, the Canadians kick off their campaign this afternoon against Bosnia-Herzegovina, who have even less World Cup experience than their hosts.

For the Dragons, who qualified for the 2026 finals in headline-grabbing, dramatic fashion, this is only their second time at the tournament.