Canada made history in its opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, earning its first-ever point at the tournament after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A late goal from substitute Cyle Larin rescued a point for the co-host nation and ensured Canada avoided defeat at a World Cup for the first time.

Canada Starts World Cup Campaign With Positive Result

Canada entered the match looking to make a strong start in Group B. The team lined up with Maxime Crépeau in goal, while Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea formed the defensive line.

In midfield, Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Ismaël Koné and Liam Millar started, while Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi led the attack.

Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair was named among the substitutes but did not play.

Bosnia Takes Early Lead

Bosnia and Herzegovina struck first in the 21st minute. Ivan Basic delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area. Former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac flicked the ball on, and Jovo Lukic rose to head home from close range.

The goal gave Bosnia a 1-0 lead and marked Lukic's first international goal.

Canada Controls Possession

After conceding, Canada responded positively. The hosts enjoyed long spells of possession and repeatedly pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Bosnia remained disciplined at the back and protected its advantage throughout the remainder of the first half.

As a result, Canada went into the break trailing by one goal despite creating several promising attacks.

Hosts Push Hard After Halftime

Canada continued to attack after the restart. The home side came close to leveling the score early in the second half when Richie Laryea's effort appeared destined for the net. However, Sead Kolasinac produced a brilliant goal-line intervention, diverting the ball onto the crossbar and away from danger.

Soon after, Canada threatened again. This time, Nikola Katic cleared Tani Oluwaseyi's goal-bound header off the line to keep Bosnia ahead. Despite the missed chances, Canada maintained pressure and continued to search for a breakthrough.

Larin Changes the Game

The decisive moment arrived after Canada introduced fresh attacking options. Cyle Larin entered the match in the 76th minute and made an immediate impact.

Just two minutes after coming on, the Southampton striker received the ball, spun away from defender Tarik Muharemovic and fired a shot past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. A slight deflection helped the effort find the net.

The goal leveled the match at 1-1 in the 78th minute and sparked celebrations among Canadian supporters.

Historic Moment for Canada

Larin's strike secured a landmark achievement for Canadian football. Before this match, Canada had lost all three of its World Cup games in 1986 and all three matches during the 2022 tournament.

The draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina therefore became Canada's first-ever World Cup draw and its first point in the competition's history.

End-to-End Finish

The closing stages remained exciting as both teams searched for a winner. Canada continued pressing forward, encouraged by the momentum of the equalizer. Bosnia also looked dangerous on the counterattack.

However, neither side could find another goal, and the match finished 1-1.

Group B Battle Remains Wide Open

The result leaves Group B finely balanced. Canada collected one point from its opening match and remains firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.

The co-hosts will next face Qatar on June 18 at Vancouver Stadium before taking on Switzerland on June 24. With two group matches still to play, Canada will believe it has a strong chance of advancing, especially after securing a historic result to begin its World Cup campaign.