Canada salvaged a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a frantic Group B opener at the 2026 World Cup on Friday, earning the nation's first-ever point at the tournament, according to Al Jazeera.
Bosnia took the lead in the 21st minute when Jovo Lukic steered home a flick-on from a corner for his first international goal, giving the Dragons an early advantage in their return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence.
Canada pressed forward relentlessly but struggled to convert. Jonathan David, the country's all-time leading scorer, had a clear chance early but sent his shot directly at goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. In the 53rd minute, Richie Laryea appeared set to equalize until Sead Kolasinac made a remarkable goal-line clearance, steering the ball off the crossbar and away to safety.
Bosnia almost doubled their lead when Ermedin Demirovic went through on goal, but Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, making his World Cup debut after missing the 2022 tournament with a broken leg, made a crucial save to keep the match within reach.
The breakthrough finally came when Cyle Larin entered as a substitute in the 76th minute. Less than three minutes after coming on, he swiveled in the box and fired home a deflected strike to equalize and send the home crowd into a frenzy. Larin's goal in the 78th minute was Canada's first World Cup goal scored on home soil.
The result leaves both teams with one point apiece in Group B. Canada, one of three co-hosts of the 2026 tournament alongside the United States and Mexico, had hoped to open with a victory in front of their home supporters.
