Larin bails out dire David to earn Canada first World Cup point

Cyle Larin Canada Bosnia World Cup ratings GFX

Cyle Larin came off the bench to spare Jonathan David's blushes by earning Canada a 1-1 with Bosnian and Herzegovina in their 2026 World Cup opener in Toronto. The Canucks were the better side on the day but looked set to slump to a seventh consecutive finals defeat after Lovo Jukic headed in a near-post flick from Sead Kolasinac midway through the first half.

However, Canada coach Jesse Marsch threw on Larin with just under 15 minutes of normal time remaining and the striker, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, made an almost immediate impact, by firing home from just inside the area - with the aid of a little deflection.

Larin could have even won the game for the co-hosts, but he was denied by some brilliant Bosnian defending in the dying seconds of the match. Below, GOAL ranks all of the Canada players on show in Toronto.

Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina: Group B - FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeeper & Defence

Maxime Crepeau (7/10):

If we're being hyper-critical, he didn't exactly dominate his six-yard box on the goal but he did make a big save in the second half when Ermedin Demirovic was put clean through on goal. Indeed, that proved a massive moment in the game.

Alistair Johnston (6/10):

Defended well, given he was walking a tightrope after his early booking.

Luc de Fougerolles (6/10):

A little loose in possession at times but the 20-year-old had a good game at the back. Made some important interventions and took one for the team by picking up a booking for a tactical foul that killed a very promising Bosnia attack.

Derek Cornelius (6/10):

Like his partner in the centre of defence, the Marseille man was far from flawless in possession but he also helped restrict Bosnia to only a few breakaway chances.

Richie Laryea (7/10):

A lively performance from the left-back. Maybe have been caught out of position on a couple of occasions but was always a threat going forward and was so unfortunate not to score.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH03-CAN-BIH

Midfield

Tajon Buchanan (6/10):

Buchanan caused problems with his pace, so it was quite surprising to see his game brought to a premature end.

Ismael Kone (7/10):

Put in a serious shift in the middle of the park and it was his driving run that led to Canada's equaliser.

Stephen Eustaquio (6/10):

The captain did what he could to lift his side and went close with a couple of efforts on goal.

Liam Millar (5/10):

Failed to make any real impression on the game, no it was no surprise to see him withdrawn not long after half-time.

Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina: Group B - FIFA World Cup 2026

Attack

Jonathan David (3/10):

Canada's talisman was taken off after just over an hour of play and he could have few complaints after butchering a glorious first-half chance to break the deadlock.

Tani Oluwaseyi (6/10):

The Villarreal forward carried a far greater attacking threat than his strike partner and was unlucky to see a goal-bound header cleared off the line by Nikola Katic.

Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina: Group B - FIFA World Cup 2026

Subs & Manager

Jacob Shaffelburg (6/10):

Came on for the ineffective Millar just after the hour mark and whipped over one great cross that Oluwaseyi nearly put away.

Ahli Ahmed (6/10):

Replaced Buchanan in the 61st minute and looked dangerous from the off.

Promise David (7/10):

Took over up top from his namesake Jonathan and really put himself about before creating Canada's leveller with a lovely first-time ball in to Promise David.

Cyle Larin (7/10):

Looked like a man with a point to prove when he came off the bench and earned his country a deserved draw - thanks in no small part to a fantastic first touch.

Jonathan Osorio (N/A):

Only came on in injury time.

Jesse Marsch (7/10):

Canada may not have been brilliant in the first half but, credit where it's due, the American made some brave substitutions in the second half and they changed the game.