Cyle Larin came off the bench to score a dramatic equaliser as Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup 2026 Group B opener at BMO Field in Toronto.
First World Cup Match on Canadian Soil
"History is about to be made," the stadium announcer declared before kick-off, and while it wasn't a perfect start, the occasion will be remembered for Larin's instant impact. Trailing to Jovo Lukic's first international goal, the Southampton striker levelled with his first touch, lashing home just 121 seconds after entering the fray. The draw already surpasses Canada's last World Cup campaign, where they finished pointless in Qatar.
Jesse Marsch's side always looked capable of scoring, though Juventus's Jonathan David missed a golden opportunity in the first half. A remarkable Sead Kolasinac block that cannoned the ball onto the crossbar prevented Richie Laryea from finding the net after the break.
Bosnia's Early Lead
Bosnia, however, were playing with fire after Lukic's first-half header on his first competitive start. The goal tested the foundations of the south stand, where 7,000 temporary seats were erected to increase capacity, many occupied by Bosnia's ardent supporters.
For the locals, this was a moment to savour regardless of the result. The pre-match entertainment featured Michael Bublé performing "Bring It On Home to Me" among 48 flag bearers, followed by Alanis Morissette singing Canada's national anthem. A flypast by the Snowbirds added to the spectacle.
Early Chances and Missed Opportunities
Canada started with gusto, Liam Millar's long throw causing problems inside 45 seconds. Amar Memic, starting alongside Ermedin Demirovic with Edin Dzeko not fully fit, blazed over the first real chance a minute later. Jonathan David missed a sitter on 17 minutes, leaving Marsch contorting in agony on the touchline.
Both full-backs, Laryea and Alistair Johnston, made hasty challenges, with Johnston booked for wiping out Memic. Laryea's poor challenge preceded Bosnia's opener, which came from a corner routine: Kolasinac flicked on at the front post, and Lukic glanced in from close range, sparking delirium in the south stand.
Canada's Dominance Without Reward
Marsch's team selection saw Tani Oluwaseyi preferred to Larin in attack, but Oluwaseyi spurned another big chance just after the half-hour, spooning over when clear. Canada dominated possession, had more shots, and three times as many touches in the opposition box, but had nothing to show at the interval.
Captain Stephen Eustáquio had spoken about the importance of not being overawed, but they suffered stage fright in big moments. "We don't want for all the emotions to block us mentally or physically so that we can't perform," he said.
Canada continued their pressure after the break, with Laryea's goal-bound shot brilliantly cleared by Kolasinac onto the crossbar. Demirovic then fluffed a golden chance when a deflection put him clear on goal. Dzeko, in a warm-up bib, waved his arms like windmills to encourage his teammates.
Larin's Heroics
Chances kept coming. Nikola Katic headed off the line to thwart Oluwaseyi. A frustrated Marsch thumped the ball on the touchline as another opportunity went begging. On the hour, he made a triple substitution, introducing Promise David, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Ali Ahmed.
Then came Larin for Oluwaseyi. Ismaël Koné fed David, who flicked the ball to Larin. The striker made it look easy, swivelling inside the box and volleying past Nikola Vasilj to spark wild celebrations.
