Canada's World Cup opener sees referee enforce new five-second rule

Canada began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, a match notable for the introduction of new rules aimed at speeding up play. Argentine referee Facundo Tello took center stage early in the second half when he became the first official to enforce the five-second rule for throw-ins.

Bosnia and Herzegovina were leading 1-0 when Sead Kolasinac delayed restarting play. Tello promptly blew his whistle, awarding the throw-in to Canada for the delay, a rule that, while implemented for the tournament, seemed to catch players by surprise. The referee maintained control throughout the match, issuing five yellow cards as the game became more physical.

The match also featured a moment that drew comparisons to the 2014 World Cup final. In the first half, a collision occurred in the penalty area between Bosnia's goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj and Canada's forward Tani Oluwaseyi. Tello initially did not call a penalty, and subsequent review revealed that Oluwaseyi was in an offside position, negating any potential penalty claim and averting a significant controversy.

Bosnia and Herzegovina took the lead in the first half through a Jovo Lukic header from a corner kick. Canada secured a late equalizer with 12 minutes remaining, scored by substitute Cyle Larin, who had entered the game just three minutes prior. The draw sets the stage for further group B matches in the tournament co-hosted by Canada.