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Canada claimed the first World Cup point in its history Friday after coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The result ended a run of six consecutive World Cup defeats stretching across the country's previous appearances in 1986 and 2022. Entering the match, the host nation had never taken a point from the tournament.
Bosnia and Herzegovina looked on course for victory after Sasa Lukic headed his side in front midway through the first half. The midfielder converted from close range after Sead Kolasinac redirected a corner into his path, scoring his first goal for the national team.
Canada had opportunities before and after Bosnia's opener but struggled to turn possession into goals. Jonathan David squandered an early chance after a defensive error gifted him space inside the penalty area, while Richie Laryea later saw an effort crash against the crossbar despite beating goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
At the other end, Bosnia and Herzegovina also threatened to extend its lead. Maxime Crepeau produced a key save from Ermedin Demirovic shortly after halftime to keep Canada within reach.
Canada's breakthrough came in the 78th minute when substitute Cyle Larin struck just two minutes after coming on. The former Besiktas forward latched onto a pass from Promise David, burst into the box and fired home via a deflection to level the score.
Neither side could find a winner during the closing stages, leaving the points shared.
Canada's draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina leaves Group B finely poised ahead of the remaining opening-round fixture between Qatar and Switzerland.
With both Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina collecting a point, the winner of the Qatar-Switzerland clash would move to the top of the group and gain an early advantage in the race for the knockout stage.
The result will also complete the first round of Group B matches and set the stage for the next set of fixtures, which will see Canada take on Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina face Switzerland.
Elsewhere, fellow co-host the United States is set to begin its World Cup campaign against Paraguay later Friday. The match will mark the Americans' first appearance at the tournament and the first World Cup game played on U.S. soil in 32 years, adding extra significance to one of the headline fixtures of the tournament's opening weekend.
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