2026 World Cup Group B Opener: Canada's Larin Scores as Substitute to Secure 1-1 Draw Against Bosnia and Herzegovina

The opening match of Group B at the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place today, with co-host Canada facing Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereafter BiH) in Toronto. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, as substitute striker Cyle Larin scored a pivotal goal to rescue a point for the hosts.

BiH opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Jovo Lukic headed in from a corner kick, marking his first international goal. This put Canada, one of the tournament's co-hosts, on the back foot early in the game.

In the 53rd minute, Canada launched a strong counterattack. Richie Laryea's shot was inches from crossing the line, but BiH's Sead Kolasinac made a last-second block on the goal line to preserve the lead.

Despite sustained pressure from Canada, BiH's defense held firm—until the 76th minute, when substitute Cyle Larin changed the game. Just minutes after entering the pitch, Larin turned inside the penalty area and fired a powerful shot to level the score at 1-1, sending Canadian fans into raptures.

Neither side could find a winner in the remaining minutes, and the match concluded as a hard-fought draw. Canada earns a valuable point in their opening game, keeping their knockout stage hopes alive as Group B begins with high tension.