Canada scores first World Cup point on home soil despite tie with Bosnia
The nation's first men's World Cup match at home ended 1-1 on Friday in Toronto, with celebrity fans and performers marking the historic occasion.
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Canada played its first men's FIFA World Cup match on home soil Friday in Toronto, tying 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in a game that drew major celebrities and sold-out crowds.
The historic day brought parades through Toronto's streets, an arrest, expensive beer, and a moment of national pride: Canada scored a goal on home turf for the first time ever in a World Cup match, earning a historic first-ever point.
Mike Myers, Ryan Reynolds, and Will Arnett were among Canada's most iconic actors in attendance at Toronto Stadium. Myers' presence was memorable enough that Canada's coach Jesse Marsch reacted postgame. "Mike Myers was here? Oh, sweet," Marsch said.
Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, also attended, spotted relaxing with a glass of wine. Other notable Canadian athletes present included Christine Sinclair and Andre De Grasse, both of whom had attended the Toronto Tempo's first home game last month. "We've been waiting for the moment for the last four years," De Grasse told media before kick-off.
Canadian NBA player Dillon Brooks and retired Toronto FC legend Dwayne De Rosario cheered from the stands. Media coverage included World Cup legend Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Performances before the match featured Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Elyanna, and Michael Bublé, while Alanis Morissette sang the national anthem. Rob Baker, lead guitarist for the Tragically Hip, was also in attendance.
Canada's next group stage matches will be held at BC Place in Vancouver. The team faces Qatar on Thursday, June 18.