The secret to Canada registering its first point in World Cup history came down to another historic first: The men’s team playing in front of their home crowd as the 2026 FIFA tournament made its Canadian debut in Toronto on Friday, June 12.
In front of a roaring crowd, Team Canada staged a late comeback, with Cyle Larin coming up as the hero as he equalled the score against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 78th minute. Unlike its previous World Cup tournament attempts in 1986 and 2022, Canada has now registered a point in the standings with the 1-1 draw, marking a new chapter for both the team and fans across the country.
For Jesse Marsch, the Team Canada head coach looks back on the match and thanks the “sea of red in the stadium.” He credits them for making his team feel loved and confident, while also creating a “hostile environment” for the opposing team and putting “pressure on referees.” Despite being down 1-0 on the verge of another loss, it was the fans who built up Team Canada in the second half, setting up a dramatic finish.
“The crowd, I think, willed us into the game,” says Marsch. “They could feel the energy in the second half tilting more and more; they were more and more on the edge of their seats, and the place erupted when we got the goal.”
It was a moment that many in Canada have been waiting a lifetime for — however long that may be.
For Elyana, she says she’s been waiting 12 years for the moment to watch Team Canada, while her younger sister, Ariana, has been waiting for nine. Ahead of today’s match, they spoke about what excites them most about the atmosphere: “It’s the fun of the game and how we love to play it.”
The Callaghan Khan parents brought their two young kids to the game after years of seeing them playing competitive soccer. (Bryan Meler)
The historic moment on home soil represented an opportunity to see the passion that Canada has developed over the years for the game of soccer, and how it can ultimately translate to the future. All across the stadium, the same sentiment was shared: Today’s match was about living in the moment, but also understanding how it’ll shape our nation moving forward.
“I think the next generation of stars are being born today by being able to experience this on home turf,” says Darren Grant. “Twenty years from now, we’ll be seeing them play in another World Cup.”
Grant made the trip from North Vancouver with his three high school friends. Among them is Brad Baker, who fondly remembers watching players like Ian Bridge and Bobby Lenarduzzi growing up, without the slightest belief that Friday’s match in Toronto would be part of their future.
“Today’s match is so important,” he says. “It’s a day in history for Canada soccer: home match, World Cup 26. As a young guy growing up playing soccer in Vancouver as a youngster, to be here today, to watch this game, it’s an incredible feeling to be here. It’s the biggest game in Canada’s soccer history.”
“You see around here there’s Jonathan David jerseys, but there’s Christine Sinclair jerseys out here. [Today] is just going to grow the game, both for boys and girls for decades to come,” says John Russell. (Bryan Meler)
Heading into the tournament, conversations surrounded how expensive Friday’s experience — or any of the 2026 World Cup matches — would be. For Baker, who labels himself as a “proud Canadian,” he calls it “invaluable” and that “there’s no price tag to this.”
Seeing the smiles and memories being formed among those in attendance, it’s easy to believe. At the same time, it’s all about priorities, knowing how much this means to those in attendance.
“We paid about what people paid for Taylor Swift tickets, but this was much more important to us,” says Shamal Khattak.
“I feel like it’s a celebration of coming together and appreciating the homeness that Canada always offers to everybody,” says Zainab Al Maqrashi. (Bryan Meler)
As someone who’s volunteered at Toronto FC games since she was in high school, she calls the opening match “unbelievable.” She’s watched the Canadian roster build its way into a formidable opponent over the years.
“I never thought I’d see it in my lifetime. It’s just the best thing ever. I think it’s hugely important,” says Khattak.
Ultimately, it also represents an opportunity for the country to come together, says Khattak’s friend, Zainab Al Maqrashi.
“Regardless of your background and where you’re coming from, at what age you are, we’re all going to be sitting and watching the game together,” she adds. “Whether at home, in the stadium, and everybody’s equal in the face of common interests, common human values.”
