As one World Cup co-host got off to a winning start on Thursday, another failed to follow in their footsteps, though it wasn’t for want of trying. Canada kicked off their 2026 campaign on Friday night as they faced Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto.
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The Canucks started brightly but it was Jovo Lukic who managed the first effort on target, though his 13th-minute header was poor. At the other end, Canada’s top scorer Jonathan David tried his luck, but his effort was easy for Nikola Vasilj.
Lukic made no mistake midway through the first half after a well worked Bosnia-Herzegovina corner. Saed Kolasinac headed Amar Memic’s corner into the path of the 27-year-old for an easy finish.
The Bosnian striker’s goal seemed to spur the home side into action as momentum swung in their favour. However, despite a number of corners and a succession of half-chances, Canada were unable to draw level before the break.
Jesse Marsch’s men picked up where they left off after the interval as Tani Oluwaseyi forced Vasilj into action. The pair then collided moments later as Canada felt they deserved penalty.
And as Canada looked to turn the screw, Kolasinc was on hand to make a fine goalline clearance to turn Richie Laryea’s effort onto the bar. The Canucks continued to press for an equaliser, and saw another effort cleared off the line as Oluwaseyi’s header was turned away by Nikola Katic.
Marsch turned to his bench to try and turn the game in Canada’s favour, and the throw of the dice rolled in their favour as Cyle Larin rifled in the equaliser with 10 minutes to play.
Larin was presented with another chance to win it for Canada deep into second half stoppage time, yet was denied by a fine Tarik Muharemovicblock block as the spoils were ultimately shared at the Toronto Stadium in an entertaining Group B clash.
Bosnia-Herzegovina hold firm
Bosnia-Herzegovina’s game against Canada was going to be a tough one to navigate. The co-hosts on home turf in their first World Cup game. This was arguably the European side’s most difficult group stage clash.
Unsurprisingly, Bosnia-Herzegovina saw little of the ball. Canada dominated with 61.1% possession and managed 13 shots to Bosnia-Herzegovina’s eight. Nevertheless, Sergej Barbarez’s held firm in Toronto.
They managed a whopping 71 clearances across the 90 minutes, Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic on hand to make 21 alone. Bosnia-Herzegovina also won 44 aerial duels in a backs-to-the-wall performance.
Saying that, they did struggle to assert themselves once they did go ahead through Lukic, and their inability to capitalise upon their one-goal advantage came back to haunt the visitors.
The momentum shift ultimately culminated in Canada’s late equaliser. On another day; Marsch’s men would have capitalised upon their dominance to claim victory.
Jovo Lukic maximises starting chance
Edin Dzeko started the game against Canada on the bench. Having only featured three times since the start of April, the 40-year-old was dropped in favour of Jovo Lukic. The 27-year-old put in a striker’s performance that Dzeko would have been proud of.
Lukic not only scored the opening goal, that coming from one of three efforts. He was a real pain for the Canada backline up until his withdrawal on the hour-mark. The striker managed a 100% aerial success rate, winning all nine aerial duels he contested.
Given Dzeko’s advancing years, he’s unlikely to be able to play the full 90 in North America. Head coach Barbarez can rest easy knowing he won’t need to rely on the ageing hitman to carry the Dragons to the next round of the World Cup.
Stephen Eustaquio puts in captain’s performance
In the absence of Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustaquio was handed the captain’s armband. For the most part, it was clear that the 29-year-old plies his trade in one of Europe’s top leagues. It was a fine midfield display from the Canadian.
Okay, so Eustaquio was unable to inspire his nation to an opening round victory. However, it wasn’t for want of trying. Indeed, he managed a commendable 88.89% pass accuracy from 45 passes as he kept play ticking over.
In addition, he created three chances, more than any other Canada player, and found a teammate with five of nine attempted crosses. It wasn’t enough to secure all three points, but a positive start in one of the competition’s more unpredictable groups.
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