Ivanišević’s Canada journey has brought him back to where it began. He returned to London, Ontario, visiting the BMO Centre and joining Mayor Josh Morgan and young players from London Alliance Football Club for a short scrimmage.
The defender started with Alliance before moving into Toronto FC’s academy at about 17. He later made his professional debut for Toronto FC II on 1 May 2023, beginning a path that has since taken him to Europe.
That route has not followed the most familiar Canadian football pipeline. Ivanišević has spent the past three years abroad and now plays for FK Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where his development has continued away from the spotlight at home.
Remaining in Canada’s 26-player squad would give Ivanišević another opportunity to show he belongs at international level. The Chile appearance was an important first step, but the next challenge is turning a debut into a sustained role.
Canada faces Peru in Montreal on Saturday before travelling to Minnesota to meet the United States the following Tuesday. Those matches should offer a different test, with the young defender competing for minutes against experienced international opponents.
His return to London also underlines the importance of local facilities. BMO Centre founder Tom Partalas has stressed the aim of creating a pathway from grassroots football to the professional and international game - a route Ivanišević now represents.
The next storyline is whether his homecoming can become the start of a longer Canada career. Peru and the United States will provide the immediate test, while Ivanišević’s performances could shape his place in the national team beyond this window.