Canada's first World Cup match on home soil ended in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Cyle Larin scoring a late equalizer. Stars Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers celebrated in the stands, while Michael Bublé's pre-game performance drew widespread criticism from fans online.
Canada commenced their World Cup journey with two of their most celebrated celebrities witnessing from the stands as the team secured a dramatic late draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Iconic actors and filmmakers Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers, both Canadian-born despite holding U.S. citizenship, were present at Toronto Stadium-commonly known as BMO Field-for the highly anticipated Group A opener on Friday afternoon. Television cameras identified the pair seated together amidst the crowd as Jesse Marsch's squad sought a winning start to their campaign. Myers, 63, embraced the occasion fully, attending with his 14-year-old son Spike, both donned in red Canada jerseys and matching bucket hats.
Reynolds, 49, sat nearby in a relaxed white shirt and sunglasses. The trio were broadcast just prior to halftime, visibly frustrated as Canada struggled, trailing 1-0 after 21 minutes and pressing for an equalizer. Their perseverance was rewarded in the 79th minute when Cyle Larin netted a superb right-footed finish from within the box, prompting jubilant celebrations from the celebrities. Reynolds exchanged high-fives with surrounding supporters following Larin's strike, which ultimately earned Canada a point in their opening fixture.
The co-hosts' next Group A encounter is scheduled against Qatar in Vancouver next Thursday. Before kickoff, Canadian music legend Michael Bublé performed at a brief opening ceremony, a segment that attracted considerable criticism from viewers online. The 50-year-old singer, known for his holiday albums, led the show ahead of Canada's first tournament match, performing his 2022 track 'Bring It On Home To Me'.
As flags for all competing nations were paraded onto the pitch, Bublé stood at the center circle and began singing merely minutes before the game commenced. Millions tuned in for Canada's historic World Cup debut, but many were left puzzled and unimpressed by Bublé's appearance in an otherwise vibrant atmosphere at the 43,000-seat venue.
Social media reactions were scathing, with one fan stating, 'I have lived in Canada my whole life, we don't care about Gospel and it's nowhere near our identity. What is that garbage song choice and who gives a f*** about Michael Bublé?
' Another commented, 'Welcome to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now here's Michael Bublé to put you to sleep.
' A third remarked, 'Good grief. If you want to watch Michael Bublé, go and watch him on Youtube or something.
' Numerous users joked about Bublé's association with Christmas music, with one writing, 'Just seen Michael Bublé singing on TV and he's not trying to sell a Christmas album. I'm so confused,' and another adding, 'Canada defrosted Michael Bublé before Christmas to be at the opening game.
' Others expressed confusion over the song selection, noting it seemed mismatched for the occasion. Adding to the pre-match star power, the famously private singer Alanis Morissette emerged to perform the Canadian national anthem, 'O Canada'. Her rare public appearance provided a poignant moment ahead of the team's first World Cup game on home soil. The tournament's inaugural match for the co-hosts ultimately ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Larin's second-half goal canceling out an early Bosnia and Herzegovina lead.
Canada will look to secure their first victory when they face Qatar in their second group stage game next week
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