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Canada finally earned their first point in a men’s World Cup match, thanks to a late equaliser from Cyle Larin in a tense 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here’s a look at the standout performers and those who fell short in their opening group-stage encounter.

TORONTO -- On Friday, Toronto was alive with red and blue as fans from Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina filled the streets leading to Toronto Stadium for the first men’s World Cup match ever played on Canadian soil.

The Canadian supporters’ march to the ground was a spectacle of flares, chants, and passion more commonly associated with footballing nations overseas. Though Toronto isn’t known for large-scale football parades, and support for Toronto FC has waned in recent years, the city came alive for Canada’s historic World Cup debut at home.

Canadian striker Promise David, who had earlier told GOAL that the morning of the World Cup felt like “same shit, different day,” stood quietly in the centre circle before kickoff, headphones on, eyes locked on his phone — a picture of calm before what would become a milestone moment for Canadian football.

Over 43,000 fans filled the stadium, with Bosnia and Herzegovina fans creating a strong presence in the upper stands. Still, the atmosphere was distinctly Canadian, with roars that shook the arena and chants that echoed through the night sky.

Canada created opportunities in the first half but couldn’t convert them. It was a frustratingly familiar pattern — organised, competitive, and dangerous in flashes, yet undone by wasteful finishing and a single lapse on a set piece.

Then came Cyle Larin.

After being left out of the starting XI in favour of Tani Oluwaseyi’s pace and aggression, Larin came off the bench in the 76th minute and needed less than two minutes to make his mark. His equaliser not only rescued a point but also gave Canada their first-ever point in men’s World Cup history.

With this draw, Canada now face mounting pressure as they prepare to meet Qatar on June 18, followed by a crucial clash against Switzerland on June 24. The team hopes that this result can serve as a foundation for a historic progression beyond the group stage.

WINNER: Cyle Larin

Larin had not scored for Canada since 2024 and had been under scrutiny for poor form. Coach Jesse Marsch benched him despite giving him starts in friendlies against Uzbekistan and Ireland. Yet, when called upon, Larin justified his worth instantly.

Following a quick passing exchange at the top of the box, Larin muscled past a defender and unleashed a right-footed shot into the side netting — ending his goal drought and silencing his critics. It was a symbolic goal for a player who made his debut when Canada sat 110th in the FIFA Rankings back in 2014.

After a tough spell at RCD Mallorca and an unproductive loan at Feyenoord, Larin found his rhythm again at Southampton, scoring nine times in 22 matches. The fans there affectionately dubbed him “The Brampton Bagsman.”

“It was an amazing feeling to score at home again,” Larin told reporters post-match. “I haven’t scored in a while, but I knew it would come. People said I shouldn’t be in the lineup, but I’ve always proved them wrong — I did it again, and now maybe they’ll be quiet.”

Just 20 minutes from his hometown of Brampton, Larin scored the most significant goal of his career, helping Canada make history and possibly earning back his starting spot for the Qatar match.

“I knew Cyle wasn’t happy about not starting,” Marsch said. “I told him, ‘You’ve had a great year with Southampton. Whether you start or come off the bench, you impact games. Be ready when your chance comes.’ He was ready, and he delivered immediately.”

LOSER: Jonathan David

Jesse Marsch’s first World Cup match as Canada’s coach showed he’s willing to make tough calls. Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time leading scorer, was substituted in the 61st minute after a disappointing outing.

The Juventus forward, who endured a tough debut season in Italy with just six goals in 35 appearances, looked far from the prolific finisher who once lit up Ligue 1 with Lille. Early on, he wasted a clear chance created by Liam Millar and later failed to control a ball over the top.

“Johnny didn’t have his best day. It’s normal — no player can always perform at their peak,” Marsch said. “But he’s vital for us. We’ll need him to bounce back, because without him at his best, we’re not the same team.”

It was the first time Marsch showed no hesitation in taking off one of his key men — a necessary move that raises questions about whether David will retain his place in the next match.

WINNER: Ismaël Koné

Ismaël Koné was one of Canada’s standout performers. After receiving criticism from Marsch earlier in the summer for inconsistency, the Sassuolo midfielder responded with a commanding display. His movement between lines, intelligent passing, and composure in possession gave Canada control in midfield. He completed a game-high 51 passes, dictating tempo despite missing training earlier in the week due to illness.

LOSER: Tajon Buchanan

Tajon Buchanan struggled to make an impact. Once known for his fearless directness at the 2020 CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers, the winger now seemed hesitant. His combination play with Alistair Johnston on the right side lacked fluidity, as Johnston’s overlapping runs forced Buchanan deeper. With Bosnia and Herzegovina defending tightly, he found little space to exploit and ended with zero successful dribbles from three attempts.

WINNER: Canada’s Bench

Canada’s substitutes changed the game. Beyond Larin’s goal, Ali Ahmed added spark and unpredictability after replacing Liam Millar. Ahmed’s agility and quick feet helped open up Bosnia’s defence, while Promise David and Jacob Shaffelburg added pace and physicality that unsettled the opposition.

The performance proved that Canada’s squad depth runs deeper than critics believed — a promising sign as the tournament progresses.

LOSER: Canada’s Hope of Winning Group B

The draw complicates Canada’s chances of topping Group B. The group winner will enjoy the advantage of playing the Round of 32 and potentially the Round of 16 at Vancouver’s BC Place. With Switzerland still to come, Canada must now secure results in their next two matches to stay in contention.

Most expect every team to beat Qatar, leaving Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina in a battle for second or third place. While the draw keeps both teams alive, it dents Canada’s ambition to win the group.

Despite that, the squad remains optimistic ahead of their trip to Vancouver. For Ali Ahmed, who left the Vancouver Whitecaps after the 2025 MLS Cup final to join Norwich City, the return feels special. “We’ll take that point,” Ahmed said. “I’m super excited to get back to Vancouver, to the UBC training ground and BC Place — that’s home for me. I know what it’s like when BC Place is packed.”