Historic Leveller! Larin Strike Gives Canada First-Ever WC Point On Home Debut
Historic Leveller! Larin Strike Gives Canada First-Ever WC Point On Home Debut Published By, Last Updated: June 13, 2026, 04:41 IST With the draw, Canada
Historic Leveller! Larin Strike Gives Canada First-Ever WC Point On Home Debut Published By, Last Updated: June 13, 2026, 04:41 IST With the draw, Canada picked up their first ever point at the FIFA showpiece after having six previous unsuccessful attempts, to get off the mark. Rapid Read Canada's Cyle Larin (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal of the game in the second half of the World Cup Group B soccer match between Canada and Bosnia, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Jared Freed) Canada registered a point from their historic FIFA World Cup 2026 home debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina, fighting back to secure a 1-1 draw at Toronto Stadium in Ontario on Saturday. With the draw, Canada picked up their first ever point at the FIFA showpiece after having six previous unsuccessful attempts, to get off the mark.
Jovo Lukic opened the scoring in the first half, but Cyle Larin struck in the 78th minute to ensure Canada and Bosnia shared the spoils in their World Cup opener. The quadrennial tournament arrived in the Great White North for the very first time, with Canada marking the occasion with a glittering opening ceremony before facing Bosnia. The visitors had reached the finals at the expense of four-time champions Italy, whom they eliminated at the last hurdle to book their ticket to North America. Bosnia began with star forward Edin Dzeko on the bench, while Canada were deprived of their talisman Alphonso Davies. Bosnia took the lead before the midway point of the first half, as Lukic forced the ball over the line after it was headed into his path from a superb corner to the near post.
Bosnia asserted themselves in the box and were rewarded with the opening goal. The hosts pushed for an equaliser but repeatedly lacked the final touch to complement their promising build-up play, allowing the visitors to carry a narrow advantage into half-time. Canada showed tremendous attacking intent after the restart, but still could not find a way through, with Sead Kolasinac producing a goal-line clearance early in the second period to deny the hosts. Canada continued to surge forward with wave after wave of attacks, yet Bosnia’s defence clung to their lead through determined, resilient play. Both managers made numerous substitutions to introduce fresh legs, and Canada coach Jesse Marsch saw his decision to turn to Larin vindicated when the striker scored with twelve left to be played to level the match as Canada picked up their first points at the quadrennial.
The BriefWire