Larin's Late Equalizer Earns Canada Historic First World Cup Point
TORONTO — Canada's long wait for a first FIFA World Cup point is finally over.
Second-half substitute Cyle Larin scored in the 78th minute as Canada rallied for a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday afternoon in the nation's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The result secured the first World Cup point in Canadian men's national team history after previous appearances in 1986 and 2022 ended without Canada earning a result.
Canada controlled much of the play from the opening whistle, finishing with 60 per cent possession and a 12-8 advantage in shots, but found itself trailing after Bosnia and Herzegovina capitalized on one of its few opportunities.
The visitors opened the scoring in the first half on their lone corner kick before the break, while Canada was unable to convert any of its 10 first-half corners.
The hosts nearly found an equalizer before halftime when Richie Laryea got on the end of a well-worked passing sequence in close, but defender Sead Kolašinac recovered in time to keep the ball out and preserve Bosnia and Herzegovina's lead.
Bosnia and Herzegovina nearly doubled its advantage in the 58th minute. Tarik Muharemović found space on a corner kick and rose for a free header, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar, allowing Canada to remain within striking distance.
Canada continued to press for an equalizer throughout the second half.
Stephen Eustáquio fired wide from outside the penalty area in the 65th minute before Tani Oluwaseyi was unable to direct a close-range header on target moments later.
The breakthrough finally arrived with 12 minutes remaining in regulation.
Derek Cornelius drove forward with pace before chipping the ball into the middle for Promise David. David redirected it into the path of Larin, who had entered the match in the second half in place of Oluwaseyi. The veteran striker made no mistake, firing a shot from the top of the area past the goalkeeper to level the match at 1-1.
The goal transformed the atmosphere inside Toronto Stadium, which had grown increasingly tense as Canada searched for an answer.
Neither side could find a winner over the final 12 minutes of regulation or six minutes of stoppage time. Canada came close to creating one last opportunity deep into added time when Laryea helped spark a dangerous attack, but Bosnia and Herzegovina recovered defensively to preserve the draw.
Canada finished with a slight edge in expected goals (1.06-0.98), recorded four shots on target to Bosnia and Herzegovina's three and generated nine attempts from inside the penalty area.
While Canada may leave the match wondering what could have been after controlling possession and creating several dangerous opportunities, the point still represented a significant milestone for a program that had never previously earned a result on the world's biggest stage.
Canada will continue Group B play against Qatar on June 18 before facing Switzerland on June 24. Both matches are scheduled to be played in Vancouver.