Murray Wood: Carney not rising to Trump's threats around CUSMA
Murray Wood says U.S. President Donald Trump seems to be at the bluster-and-threaten stage of trade negotiations. He say...
From the opening kickoff to the final whistle in Toronto, Friday was a day which will enter the history books when it comes to Canadian soccer after Team Canada secured a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening game of the FIFA World Cup.
Not only did it mark the first World Cup game on home soil for the national men’s team, but the draw secured Canada’s first point ever at the tournament.
Read more:
- World Cup begins as Canada braces for wave of matches, concerts and football fever
- Van Koeverden promotes fan events, dismisses cost concerns as World Cup kicks off
- FIFA to allow disposable water bottles at World Cup matches
A few dozen fans at Winston’s English Pub in Saskatoon were on hand to witness the unique moment in Canadian sporting history, like Bernhard and Joanne Volz.
“This is almost part of history I guess you could say,” Bernhard said.
Despite holding possession for most of the game, Canada was unable to find the back of the net until substitute Cyle Larin’s goal in the 78th minute sent fans across the country into hysterics.
“Cyle Larin… love it,” Joanne said. “I’m so happy for him, personally. I think 1-1 gives them a chance, I think it’s great. That gives them some encouragement, momentum and some confidence going to the next game.”
While the Canadians are still waiting on the first victory in program history at a World Cup, Friday’s draw was a big step forward for the host country getting out of Group B and into the Round of 32 playoffs.
All of it was done without the use of superstar Alphonso Davies, who missed Friday’s game while he recovers from a hamstring injury.
“To pick up a point without Alphonso Davies, that’s incredible,” Joanne said. “Good for them, they should feel confident. They should know that they can compete.”
Zac Houston, left, and his family were among vocal supporters at Winston’s English Pub in Saskatoon on June 12, 2026 for Canada’s 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the FIFA World Cup. (Scott Roblin/650 CKOM)
Among the supporters who leapt out of their seat after Larin’s goal was Zac Houston, who was visiting from Edmonton.
“It was just relief,” Houston said. “They’ve been so close for the whole game and just needed a break. They got a fortunate bounce and it was just pure relief there.”
Houston added the draw has given Canada some breathing space heading into their next two group stage games and won’t have to make up ground in a short amount of time.
“There’s no need to panic,” Houston said.
“They’re not chasing anyone yet, they still control their own fate. They keep playing like this, it’s going to start going in and they’re going to start getting some bounces.”
Both of the Volzes were among a handful of fans sporting full Team Canada gear on Friday and expect the wave of patriotism to last over the next few weeks.
For Bernhard, the host’s effort to rally against Bosnia is just the first step towards a memorable few weeks welcoming the world to Canada.
“They did the whole country proud,” Bernhard said. “They did amazing, honestly really good.”
Team Canada will head west for their second group stage game of the World Cup on Thursday with a 4 p.m. kickoff in Vancouver against Qatar.
Read more:
