By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Co-hosts Canada and Qatar produced late drama in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B matches, earning crucial draws against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Switzerland respectively.
Canada fought back to secure a 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina in front of a passionate home crowd in Toronto.
Bosnia-Herzegovina took the lead in the first half through Jovo Lukić, whose header put the visitors ahead and on course for victory.
However, substitute Cyle Larin changed the game after coming off the bench. The striker struck just 121 seconds after his introduction, scoring in the 78th minute to earn Canada a deserved share of the points.
The result marked a historic achievement for the Canadians, who avoided defeat in a FIFA World Cup finals match for the first time, having lost all their previous games in the 1986 and 2022 tournaments.
Jesse Marsch’s side created several opportunities throughout the contest and twice saw goal-bound efforts cleared off the line before Larin finally broke through.
Qatar Snatch Late Equaliser
In San Francisco, Qatar produced one of the biggest surprises of the opening round by holding Switzerland to a 1-1 draw.
Switzerland appeared set for victory after Breel Embolo converted a first-half penalty and his side dominated possession while creating several chances to extend their lead.
Their inability to add a second goal ultimately proved costly.
With the match deep into stoppage time, Boualem Khoukhi rose highest to head home a cross from Homam El Amin in the fourth minute of added time, sparking celebrations among the Qatari players and supporters.
The goal secured Qatar’s first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup finals and represented a major improvement from their 2022 campaign, when they lost all three group-stage matches as hosts.
Group B Wide Open
After the opening round of fixtures, Group B remains finely balanced, with all four teams still in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
Canada will next face Qatar, while Switzerland take on Bosnia-Herzegovina in fixtures that could play a decisive role in determining the group standings.
