Canada avoided a disappointing start to their home FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after substitute Cyle Larin scored late to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B on Friday.
Playing in front of a packed crowd at BMO Field, the tournament hosts struggled to break down a well-organised Bosnian side and looked set for a shock defeat before Larin’s intervention rescued a valuable point.
Both teams started brightly, creating opportunities in an open first half. Bosnia threatened through their attacking play, while Canada wasted a golden chance when Jonathan David failed to test the goalkeeper from close range.
Bosnia made their pressure count in the 20th minute. Defender Sead Kolašinac rose highest from a corner and directed the ball across goal, allowing Jovo Lukić to head into the net and stun the home crowd.
Trailing at halftime, Canada emerged with greater urgency after the break and nearly found an equaliser through Richie Laryea. The defender burst through on goal, but Kolašinac produced a crucial goal-line clearance after the effort bounced off the crossbar.
As Bosnia continued to frustrate the hosts, Canada coach Jesse Marsch turned to his bench in search of a breakthrough.
The move paid immediate dividends.
Larin, introduced in the closing stages, made an instant impact. The striker controlled the ball inside the penalty area, turned sharply and fired a shot that took a slight deflection before finding the back of the net, sending the Toronto crowd into celebration.
The result leaves Group B finely balanced after the opening round of matches. While Canada will be disappointed not to claim all three points on home soil, Marsch’s side will take encouragement from their late response against a disciplined Bosnia and Herzegovina team making only their second World Cup appearance.
Canada now turn their attention to their next group match knowing improvement will be needed if they are to advance to the knockout stage, while Bosnia can take confidence from a performance that showed they are capable of competing with the tournament hosts.
