Larin Saves Canada from Defeat with Late Equaliser

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B opening match, Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina drew 1-1 at BMO Field. The match was watched by 45,736 spectators. Bosnia & Herzegovina took the lead in the 21st minute with Jovan Lukic's goal; Canada then found the equaliser in the 78th minute through substitute Cyle Larin.

Bosnia & Herzegovina took control in the first half. In the 21st minute, Lukic converted captain Sead Kolasinac's assist to give his team a 1-0 lead. Canada could not produce effective positions in the first half despite the home advantage. Yellow cards also marked the first half: in the 11th Alistair Johnston, in the 45th Ermedin Demirovic, and in the 45+1 Lukic for pushing.

In the second half, Jesse Marsch intervened directly in the game. In the 61st minute, he brought on Jonathan Shaffelburg, Promise David and Ali Ahmed. In the 76th minute, continuing his search for a goal, Marsch brought on Cyle Larin in place of Tani Oluwaseyi. The decision bore fruit two minutes later: in the 78th minute, Larin converted Promise David's assist to make it 1-1. This was Canada's fourth goal in World Cup history.

Lukic, who scored the goal in the first half, was replaced by Stefan Bazdar in the 62nd minute. In the 84th minute, Sead Kolasinac left his place to Dejan Burnic due to injury; Bosnia & Herzegovina lost their captain. In the closing moments, Bosnian Nikola Katic was shown a yellow card in the 90+3 for pulling.

The match statistics clearly showed Canada's pressure. Expected goals (xG) Canada 1.05 to Bosnia & Herzegovina 0.98; possession 61% to 39%; total shots 13 to 8; big chance 2 for both teams; touches in the opposition box Canada 38 to Bosnia & Herzegovina 14.

Argentine referee Facundo Tello officiated the match. This draw gave 1 point to each team. The other rivals in Group B are Switzerland and Qatar. Canada will face Switzerland in their next match; Bosnia & Herzegovina will compete against Qatar.

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