Cyle Larin’s – Canada opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign at Toronto Stadium with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, controlling the match and winning the expected goals battle before second-half substitute Cyle Larin scored late to salvage a point. Player rati
Canada kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday at Toronto Stadium, and it started like a promise: possession dominance, the expected goals battle won, and plenty of chances building toward a breakthrough.
But Bosnia and Herzegovina had an opening goal that arrived from the kind of moment Canada couldn’t afford—Jovo Lukic scoring after a clever flick from Sead Kolašinac. When Canada couldn’t find an equalizer quickly enough, the frustration threatened to settle in. Then. in the closing stretch. second-half substitute Cyle Larin changed the tone entirely. scoring a late goal to salvage a 1-1 draw.
The spotlight in the player ratings turns on that late lift, but it’s spread across a full squad performance—some heroic, some off-key, and a few decisions that will now echo into Canada’s next match against Qatar.
Maxime Crepeau earned a 7. He couldn’t do much on Lukic’s opening goal after Kolašinac’s flick, but he responded when it mattered. Crepeau made a game-saving stop on Ermedin Demirović and his commanding presence stood out against a Bosnia side with a decisive height advantage.
Richie Laryea also received a 7, and for the same reason Canada’s fans will remember. He looked like he had found the equalizer—only for Kolašinac to make a ridiculous clearance. Still, the Toronto FC man stayed aggressive and indefatigable, and his energy felt crucial in keeping Canada moving forward.
Luc de Fougerolles rated 6.5. It wasn’t a flawless night, but the youngster handled a demanding test well. A yellow card early in the second half was worrying, yet he grew into the match as it progressed.
Derek Cornelius and Alistair Johnston were both rated 6.5. Cornelius battled Bosnia’s giants throughout and found chemistry with de Fougerolles as the match grew older. Johnston’s pace mattered in the second half when Canada pushed for goals and left space behind—another glue-like role that helped steady the team.
Stephen Eustaquio was a 7, credited for the work he did in midfield. There was a sense Canada might have been better off packing the middle from the start, but Eustaquio still put in “yeoman’s work” to compensate for a lack of bodies.
Ismael Kone’s performance earned the highest kind of praise, a 7.5, after battling illness this week. Even at less than full strength, his quality showed. Dropping deeper to let the fullbacks push higher changed the rhythm of the match.
Liam Millar was rated 6. He had moments in the first half, found space, and connected with the forwards—but his final ball was lacking, a familiar refrain.
On the right side of Canada’s attack, Tajon Buchanan was rated 4. Canada’s offensive flow consistently ran down Millar’s side early, and Buchanan never really got going as a result. Going forward, Canada can’t afford another anonymous performance from the winger who is supposed to change games.
Jonathan David also received a 4. He spent the match in what was described as a crisis of confidence, though the positive angle remains that he continued to be in the right places at the right times—even if he didn’t finish when it counted.
Tani Oluwaseyi, the surprise starter, was rated 6. He had a scuff-up after missing an excellent opportunity in the 32nd minute, but he became a nuisance as soon as the second half began.
Then came the substitutions that decided the story.
Promise David came on at 61 minutes and was rated 7. His impact was immediate—he combined with Cyle Larin for the equalizer and added a different element to Canada’s attack. With injuries suffered this season putting his World Cup in doubt. it also mattered that Marsch backed the Union SG man after his earlier struggles.
Ali Ahmed entered at 61 minutes and also received a 7. He made a case to be inserted into the starting lineup in Canada’s next match against Qatar, bringing the pace and guile to threaten in multiple ways.
Jacob Shaffelburg, another 61-minute sub, was rated 6.5. Having recovered from injury in time to be a factor, he worked relentlessly, and his energy exposed tired legs in Canada’s fight to keep control.
Cyle Larin, introduced at 76 minutes, was the standout at a stunning 9. Much of the conversation before the Qatar match will revolve around whether Larin should have started against Bosnia—but his finishing gave a clear answer. The Brampton native reminded everyone he remains the most clinical attacker on this team.
Jonathan Osorio came on at 90 minutes for a short cameo and received no rating for his brief time on the pitch.
Canada leave Toronto with a point, not the full three they probably felt they deserved. The positives are obvious—control of play, winning the expected goals battle, and the way second-half changes rebalanced the match. But the tougher truths linger too: the finishing holes. the uneven nights from key attackers. and the reality that Bosnia’s lead lasted long enough to force this scramble.
Now, Canada shift quickly from relief to preparation. Because with a next game against Qatar ahead, the question isn’t just whether Larin can deliver from the bench—it’s whether Canada will build a lineup that gives them more chances to avoid needing one late moment to survive.
Canada Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026 FIFA World Cup Toronto Stadium Cyle Larin Ismael Kone Maxime Crepeau Jesse Marsch player ratings Qatar match