Canada opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks to substitute Cyle Larin’s crucial second-half equaliser.
The Southampton forward made an immediate impact, scoring just over two minutes after coming on. Larin brilliantly turned away from Tarik Muharemovic before firing past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, with a slight deflection helping the ball into the net.
The result marked a historic moment for Canada, who avoided defeat at the World Cup finals for the first time after losing all three matches in 1986 and all three again in 2022.
Bosnia and Herzegovina had taken the lead in the 21st minute in Toronto when Jovo Lukic headed home his first international goal after Sead Kolasinac flicked on Ivan Basic’s corner.
Canada came close to levelling early in the second half, but Kolasinac produced a heroic goal-line clearance, diverting Richie Laryea’s effort onto the crossbar. The hosts continued to press and were denied again when Nikola Katic cleared Tani Oluwaseyi’s header off the line.
Their persistence eventually paid off in the 78th minute as Larin’s strike earned a deserved equaliser in an entertaining end-to-end contest, securing Canada’s first-ever draw at a World Cup finals.
