Larin's Late Strike Earns Canada Historic First World Cup Point Against Bosnia

Substitute Cyle Larin scored just two minutes after coming on to earn Canada a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina in their opening 2026 World Cup group game in Toronto.

The Southampton striker spun past defender Tarik Muharemovic and fired past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the 78th minute, with the shot taking a slight deflection on its way in. It was Canada's first ever point at a World Cup finals.

Bosnia had led since the 21st minute through Jovo Lukic, who headed home after Sead Kolasinac flicked on Ivan Basic's corner. It was Lukic's first international goal.

Canada were the better side for long stretches but struggled to find a way through. Richie Laryea had a shot heading in before Kolasinac diverted it onto the crossbar, and Tani Oluwaseyi saw a header cleared off the line by Nikola Katic. Jonathan David and Stephen Eustaquio also wasted chances.

Coach Jesse Marsch's decision to make attacking substitutions paid off, with Larin's equaliser arriving 121 seconds after he stepped onto the pitch.

Canada are one of three host nations at this tournament alongside Mexico and the United States. They had lost all three games at their only previous World Cup appearance in 1986 and then failed to win any of their three matches at the 2022 finals in Qatar.

The result keeps Canada's hopes of advancing from Group B alive. They face Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24, with a point on the board already likely to boost their confidence heading into both games