Cyle Larin came off the bench to score a crucial late equaliser as Canada fought back to secure a historic 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening Group B match on Friday, earning the World Cup co-hosts their first-ever point in tournament history.
Playing before a packed crowd at Toronto Stadium, Canada appeared headed for another World Cup defeat after conceding in the first half. However, Larin, introduced in the 76th minute, made an immediate impact by scoring just two minutes later to rescue a valuable point.
“It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team,” Larin said. “I thought the goals would come. I score when Canada needs me, and always have done.”
His strike also became Canada’s first World Cup goal scored on home soil, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Bosnia and Herzegovina had taken the lead in the 21st minute when Jovo Lukic converted a flick-on from a corner to score his maiden international goal. Canada responded positively and created several opportunities, but Jonathan David squandered a golden chance by firing straight at goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch credited his substitutes for changing the game’s momentum.
“The subs came on and made a big difference. The tempo got higher, and we could see that they were fading,” Marsch said. “So, I told them that we’ve got them now. It’s time to put your foot on the jugular and go for the goal.”
The hosts nearly equalised eight minutes after halftime when Richie Laryea burst through on goal, only for Sead Kolasinac to produce a superb goal-line intervention, deflecting the ball onto the crossbar and away.
Bosnia almost doubled their advantage soon after as Ermedin Demirovic broke free, but goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau—making his World Cup debut after missing the 2022 edition due to a broken leg—pulled off a vital save to keep Canada alive.
That moment proved decisive.
In the 78th minute, Larin received the ball inside the penalty area, turned sharply, and fired a right-footed effort that took a deflection before finding the net, sending the Toronto crowd into celebration.
Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic reflected on the hard-fought contest.
“We learned that in tournaments like this where you dream to play as a kid you have to fight till the last second. In the last seconds you could get a goal from Canada. But if you fight till the end, nothing can happen. I think we just have to keep going.”
For Canada, the draw ended a run of six consecutive World Cup defeats dating back to their appearances in 1986 and 2022, marking a landmark moment in the nation’s football history.
“I’m just really proud of this group,” said right-back Alistair Johnston. “We easily could have folded once we conceded that first one and let our heads drop. But no, we came out in the second half with another level and really took a hold of the game.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina will next face Group B favourites Switzerland in Los Angeles on June 18, while Canada will take on Qatar in Vancouver on the same day.