Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina met on the football field for the first time at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the co-hosts earning their first-ever point in the tournament thanks to Cyle Larin’s second-half equaliser. It was a moment of genuine history the result marks Canada’s first point in World Cup history, having lost all six of their previous matches across their appearances in 1986 and 2022.
Larin Saves Canada in Toronto After Lukic Opener
The opening match of Canada’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign at Toronto Stadium had been heralded by pre-match performances from Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette a fitting celebration for a nation finally hosting the world’s biggest football tournament. But the football itself was initially less festive for the home side.
Bosnia and Herzegovina took the lead when Lukic’s first international goal put them ahead. Canada responded with energy and urgency, but the Bosnian defense held firm for much of the second half. Laryea was desperately unlucky to see an effort deflected onto the crossbar by Kolasinac, and it seemed Les Rouges might be denied. Then came the moment the Toronto crowd had been waiting for.
Substitute Cyle Larin scored in the 78th minute just 121 seconds after coming off the bench finishing a well-worked move to level the score. Canada really did try to play some fluid football throughout the match, and a slightly superior xG of 1.25 to 0.98 suggests they deserved at least the point they earned.
Both teams will probably be reasonably content with the draw. Canada now prepare to face Qatar on Thursday, while Bosnia-Herzegovina meet Switzerland on the same day.
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What’s Next for Canada at the World Cup
Canada sit in Group B alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland a group that looks wide open after the opening round of fixtures. A win against Qatar in their second group game would put Canada in a strong position to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. The co-hosts have shown they can be competitive at this level. On home soil with a vociferous crowd behind them, don’t write them off just yet.
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