The FIFA World Cup 2026 opened in Canada on Friday with an opening ceremony in Toronto and the host nation's first match of the tournament. Canada faced Bosnia-Herzegovina at 3 p.m. ET in Toronto, while the United States men's national team was set to play Paraguay at 9 p.m. ET later in the day.
Toronto Opening Ceremony
The Toronto opening ceremony kicked off World Cup action in Canada ahead of the host nation's opening match. Performer Nora Fatehi took the stage during the ceremony. Canada was scheduled to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto's opening match on Friday.
Canada vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina Live Updates
National anthems were played before kickoff, with the match broadcast on Peacock and Telemundo. Canada kicked off and the game got underway. Starting elevens were released for Canada vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Canada had a corner kick in the second minute but failed to get a shot on goal before the ball was cleared to the other side of the field. Through 15 minutes, the match was even. Canada held the edge in possession, but Bosnia-Herzegovina led in expected goals, with neither side dominating.
Bosnia-Herzegovina had a near chance when a free kick lobbed into the box led to a scoring chance, but the shot from the top of the box sailed over the net. Canada's Alistair Johnston received the first yellow card of the day after a sliding tackle was deemed too rough.
Bosnia-Herzegovina goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj made a strong save when a cross into the box bounced to Canada's Jonathan David, whose shot on goal was stonewalled.
Bosnia-Herzegovina took the lead after an incredible set piece. A corner kick led to two headers, the second of which bounced off Jovo Lukic into the back of the net. It was his first goal in international competition.
Now trailing by a goal, Canada ticked up their aggression around the 30 minute mark as they looked for an equalizer in the first half. Tani Oluwaseyi had space on the right side of the box on what was Canada's best chance of the match so far, but his shot sailed over the left side of the goal.
Canada continued to push from set pieces. Jonathan David tried to hit a bicycle kick off a corner, but it bounced out of bounds off a Bosnia-Herzegovina defender with no harm. Canada had another corner right after but could not capitalize on that either. A third corner also failed to lead to a shot on goal.
Thomas Partey Denied Canada Visa
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not take part in Ghana's World Cup game against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, after his visa application to enter Canada was refused, FIFA said on Friday.
FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.
FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.
The Canadian government did not immediately respond to an email query from Reuters.
Partey is with the rest of the Ghana squad in Boston and will be eligible to play in their subsequent Group L matches against England in the city and against Croatia in Philadelphia. The 32 year old Partey, a former Arsenal midfielder who now plays for Villarreal, faces allegations of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom. He has denied the charges.
Dayne St. Clair Ahead of World Cup Duty
Canada goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair was positioned for a milestone World Cup run in Toronto. Long before St. Clair was stopping goals, he was setting them. St. Clair helped Canada enter the conversation, making his second consecutive World Cup appearance with the team. Getting there might not have been possible had it not been for a conversation he had years prior, when Jerry Pennant suggested he become a goalkeeper. St. Clair was a defender on his club team at the time.
