Two men charged with assaulting police during Canada's historic first World Cup point against Bosnia

Toronto police arrested two men during Canada’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium on Friday, charging both with assaulting a peace officer after an altercation in the stands disrupted what proved to be a historic afternoon for the co-hosts.

The Toronto Police Service confirmed that the two men, both German nationals aged 25 and 27, were “associated with a Bosnian fan group” and were taken into custody after officers were called to the incident at approximately 2.20pm local time. The Toronto Police Association issued a blunt warning to fans on X in the aftermath: “Never put your hands on a police officer. They will arrest you. You will be charged. Our holding cells do not have TVs. You will miss the game you came to enjoy.”

On the pitch, Canada secured their first ever point at a FIFA World Cup. Bosnia took the lead in the 21st minute through Jovo Lukic, who finished from close range, but the co-hosts levelled with 12 minutes remaining when Cyle Larin turned and fired home to send a crowd that included Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers into celebration.

The match was also marked by a visible number of empty seats inside the stadium, adding to a broader controversy over ticket pricing at this summer’s tournament. Thousands of empty seats were similarly spotted at Thursday’s game between South Korea and Czechia in Guadalajara.

FIFA responded with a defiant statement defending its attendance figures, arguing that official numbers reflect tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy. The governing body also noted that some ticketed fans at the Guadalajara match had been standing in concourses rather than occupying their assigned seats.

Canada’s next group stage fixture is against Qatar on Thursday 19 June, before they conclude their campaign against Switzerland on 24 June. Bosnia face Switzerland on 18 June and then Qatar six days later.