Cyle Larin goal rescues Canada in historic opener against Bosnia

Striker Cyle Larin scored a dramatic late equalizer to bring Canada level at 1-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, sending Toronto Stadium into a frenzy during the nation’s historic World Cup opener.

Larin, who came on as a second-half substitute, found the back of the net in the 78th minute to cancel out Jovo Lukić's first-half opener for the visitors. The crucial strike completely altered the mood in the stadium, reviving the hopes of the home crowd after Canada had spent nearly an hour chasing the game.

The match marks a monumental milestone for Canadian soccer as the country's first-ever men's FIFA World Cup match played on home soil. Entering the Group B fixture as co-hosts alongside the United States and Mexico, Jesse Marsch's side had been on an impressive eight-match unbeaten run through 2026. However, history repeated itself early on when Bosnia's Sead Kolašinac flicked on a dangerous 20th-minute corner for Lukić to head home, capitalizing on Canada's historic struggles with defending set-pieces at the tournament.

With vital Group B fixtures against Qatar and Switzerland still to come, Larin’s clinical finish ensures Canada stays firmly in the fight as they pursue their first-ever victory in a World Cup finals.