Larin rescues Canada a historic first World Cup point against Bosnia

Canada opened their home World Cup with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field, where a crowd of 43,002 watched Cyle Larin spare the co-hosts late on. The result, modest as it looked on paper, carried enormous weight: it was Canada's first-ever point at a World Cup finals after losing every match in 1986 and 2022.

Bosnia draw first blood

It was Bosnia who settled quicker. Jovo Lukic punished hesitant Canadian marking to fire the visitors ahead on 21 minutes, silencing a Toronto crowd that had arrived expecting a celebration. The Dragons defended their lead with discipline through a nervy middle period, frustrating a Canada side that struggled to turn possession into clear openings.

Larin delivers the moment

The breakthrough finally came on 78 minutes when Larin met a cross to level the contest and send BMO Field into raptures. Canada pushed for a winner in the closing stages but had to settle for a point that nonetheless felt like a milestone for the program.

For Bosnia, a draw against the hosts represented a solid start, though they will have rued not protecting their advantage. Both sides left with something to build on as the group unfolded.