TORONTO — Jovo Lukic scored his first international goal in the 21st minute and Bosnia and Herzegovina walked into halftime with a 1-0 lead over co-host Canada in the opening fixture of Group B at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Dragons struck from a set piece at BMO Field while the home side searched for its first-ever World Cup victory on home soil.
Canada Bright Start Undone by One Set-Piece Moment
Canada came out with intent. Jonathan David twice threatened early and the home crowd sensed something special might be brewing on a mild Toronto evening. The red shirts pressed high and looked to dictate tempo right away.
Bosnia stayed compact, absorbed the early pressure, and waited. In the 21st minute the chance arrived. Sead Kolasinac delivered a dangerous corner. Lukic attacked it and powered a header past the goalkeeper. The net rippled and the Bosnian section exploded.
Bosnia and Herzegovina heads into halftime with a 1–0 lead over Canada at the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/BNSOPjUlfC
— Pop Core (@TheePopCore) June 12, 2026
Canada kept pushing before the break but could not find an equalizer. Yellow cards arrived late for Alistair Johnston on the Canadian side and for Ermedin Demirovic and Lukic on Bosnia as the half grew heated. At the whistle the score stayed 1-0 to the visitors.
Locker Room Talk
“It felt incredible. We stayed organized, defended as a team, and took the moment when it came on the set piece. This is what we work for.”— Jovo Lukic, Bosnia and Herzegovina forward
Second Half Outlook: Canada Must Respond Fast
Canada now faces a mountain in the second half. The co-hosts need a goal to avoid an opening-night setback in front of their own fans. With Alphonso Davies still sidelined by injury, the creative load sits squarely on Jonathan David and the supporting attackers.
Bosnia will sit deeper, protect the lead, and look to spring on the counter. Their experienced core knows how to manage games like this. One more clinical moment and the Dragons could turn a halftime advantage into a famous opening win.
Group B still has Qatar and Switzerland to come. Every point matters early. Canada’s home tournament story is just beginning, but the first chapter has taken an unexpected turn.
