Canada’s World Cup 2026 journey got off to a nervy start on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto, with the co-hosts needing a late Cyle Larin goal to salvage a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener.

Bosnia and Herzegovina struck first through Jovo Lukic, who found the net just past the 20-minute mark. The goal silenced a Toronto crowd that had been buzzing with anticipation for what was, by any measure, one of the most significant moments in Canadian soccer history.

Cyle Larin’s 79th-minute equalizer brought BMO Field back to life and ensured that Canada’s first World Cup match on home soil would not end in heartbreak.

Why this match matters beyond the scoreline

This was Canada’s first World Cup game played on Canadian soil. Ever.

Canada is one of the co-hosts of the expanded 2026 tournament, which has grown the field to 48 participating nations.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, this was only the nation’s second-ever World Cup appearance. They came to Toronto not as tourists but as legitimate competitors, and the 21st-minute Lukic goal proved it.

BMO Field, home to Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, provided the venue for the occasion. The approximately 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff meant the match unfolded in prime afternoon viewing hours across North America.

What Larin’s goal means for Canada’s campaign

With over 30 goals at the international level, Larin is one of the most prolific scorers in Canadian men’s national team history. His equalizer in the 79th minute of Canada’s first home World Cup match kept the group stage math manageable.

Conceding in the 21st minute and not equalizing until the 79th means there were roughly 58 minutes where the team could not find an answer.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, earned a point away from home against a co-host in only their second-ever World Cup appearance, with Lukic’s early goal a genuine highlight of their campaign opening.