World Cup 2026: Canada make a steady start against Bosnia & Herzegovina | OneFootball

World Cup 2026 co-hosts Canada dug deep to secure a 1-1 draw in their Group B opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday.

Their participation in the tournament has triggered a betting frenzy, with Canadian punters eager to wager on the team reaching the knockout stage.

Some bettors took advantage of the Spin Casino welcome offer in a bid to boost their bankroll for wagering on Canada at the World Cup.

Their hopes of securing a winning return were boosted after Southampton striker Cyle Larin rescued a point with a deflected effort.

It was the first time Canada had avoided defeat in the World Cup finals, after losing all three games in 1986 and 2022.

Canadian fans create ‘hostile environment’

Canada manager Jesse Marsch praised the home crowd for creating a ‘hostile environment’ throughout the contest at BMO Field.

Bosnia deservedly took the lead in the first half, but Canadian fans cranked up the volume as their team battled to salvage a point after the break.

“As the crowd started to feel that the team was growing into the game, specifically in the second half, you could feel them cheering louder and being more participatory and pushing the group – that’s what we need,” Marsch said.

“We need the home crowd to push the team, to put pressure on referees, to create a hostile environment. We will need that in Vancouver, too.

“The fans in Vancouver, I know them. It is a football city. They love their national team. So, I expect a full stadium, again, red jerseys.

“How awesome was it again to look around today and see all these red jerseys and a sea of red in the stadium?

“And to do the same, to push the team, from the start of the match, make them feel loved and confident. It was a big factor in why we were able to get a point today.”

Canada are well-placed to make progress

Having failed to pick up a point in two previous World Cups, Canada now have a golden opportunity to reach the round of 32.

They are scheduled to face group minnows Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday, and a victory there would put them in pole position to go through.

The top two teams in each group qualify automatically, while the eight best third-placed teams will also secure a spot in the last-32.

Four points will likely be enough to make it through, although Canada will be eager to secure one of the automatic qualification spots.

If Canada claim top spot, they would face the third-placed team from Group E, F, G, I or J in the first knockout round.

Finishing second would pitch them into a clash with the runners-up in Group A, which will likely be either Mexico or South Korea.

A third-placed finish would result in Canada facing one of the group winners and a much tougher route to the round of 16.

Qatar game is crucial to Canada’s chances

With Switzerland awaiting in their final group stage game, Canada desperately need to pick up three points against Qatar.

The Middle Eastern team have won just two of their 13 matches since the start of 2025, and are the favourites to finish bottom of the group.

Manager Julen Lopetegui has been tasked with guiding Qatar at the World Cup, and he is renowned for building teams which are difficult to beat.

However, home advantage should aid Canada’s cause, and they look a good bet to pick up their first-ever World Cup victory.