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At watch parties on opposite sides of Toronto, soccer fans cheered in turn for Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada as the two teams kicking off the World Cup on Canadian soil ended the game with a 1-1 tie.
Deena Subramani, a fan who watched the game at the Ajax Fairgrounds east of the city, said she was nervous during the first half but relief washed over her when Canada scored the equalizer.
“It’s exciting that they have at least managed to equalize the game,” she said. “Very hopeful for the team … They are playing on home soil so it would be really nice if they could take it to the next level.”
Michael Day said Canada’s performance on Friday shows the team is deserving of its spot in the World Cup.
“I thought it was fantastic to see Canada on the world stage performing so well,” he said. ”I think they played very well. They were definitely not there (just) because they’re the home team.”
Fans, many of them dressed in Canada’s red and white, sat around picnic tables, on blankets and folding chairs under a blazing sun to watch the match at the fairgrounds.
Victor Yankam, who came with his family from nearby Whitby, said he wanted to witness the tournament’s arrival in Canada with friends and family.
“It’s the World Cup, first time in Canada — what a historic moment,” said Yankam, who wore a Canadian jersey emblazoned with his name, topped with a Canadian flag draped across his shoulders.
Earlier in the match, a banquet hall in Mississauga, Ont., roared with excitement as Bosnia-Herzegovina scored the first goal.
Fans dressed in blue and white jumped to their feet, chanting and stomping with approval as they watched the game play out on a large screen at Anapilis Hall.
Emina Awan said the energy in the hall was “insanely high,” with people erupting in cheers “every five seconds.”
Awan, a Canadian of Bosnian origin, said she would be happy if the game ended in a tie so both teams could advance — a wish that came to fruition not long afterward as Canada tied up the score at 1-1.
The crowd at the FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto erupted in “Let’s go Canada” chants after that goal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2026.
Monique Kasonga and Sharif Hassan, The Canadian Press
