Cyle Larin came off the bench to rescue Canada and salvage a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their 2026 World Cup opener on Friday, sparing Jonathan David from further embarrassment. The Canucks were the more dominant team for most of the match but seemed destined for a seventh consecutive finals defeat after Lovo Jukic nodded home a near-post flick from Sead Kolasinac midway through the first half.

The opening goal was a bitter blow for the home side, particularly as Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time leading scorer, had squandered a golden opportunity moments earlier to give his team the lead. The Juventus forward fired straight at goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in what was a shockingly poor finish, leaving head coach Jesse Marsch visibly furious on the sidelines.

However, Marsch quickly regained his composure and made a decisive change, introducing Larin with just under 15 minutes of regulation time left. The move proved inspired, with the Southampton loanee making an immediate impact by finishing smartly from inside the box — aided by a slight deflection — after expertly controlling a pass from fellow substitute Promise David.

Larin nearly bagged the winner in stoppage time, but some resolute Bosnian defending denied the veteran striker. Below are the full player ratings for Canada’s performance in Toronto.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Maxime Crepeau (7/10):

While he could have commanded his six-yard box better for Bosnia’s goal, Crepeau redeemed himself with a crucial second-half save when Ermedin Demirovic broke through one-on-one. That moment proved pivotal.

Alistair Johnston (6/10):

Defended solidly despite being on a yellow card early on. Maintained focus and discipline throughout.

Luc de Fougerolles (6/10):

At times, he was a bit careless with possession, but the 20-year-old centre-back impressed with some key interventions. He also picked up a tactical booking to halt a promising Bosnian break.

Derek Cornelius (6/10):

Like his defensive partner, the Marseille man was occasionally shaky in distribution but effective in limiting Bosnia’s counterattacks.

Richie Laryea (7/10):

The left-back was lively throughout, always pushing forward and nearly scoring when Kolasinac deflected his effort onto the crossbar. Occasionally caught out of position, but overall a strong attacking performance.

Midfield

Tajon Buchanan (6/10):

Used his pace effectively to stretch the Bosnian defence, making his substitution feel premature.

Ismael Kone (7/10):

Worked tirelessly in midfield and played a key role in the buildup to Canada’s equaliser with his driving run through the centre.

Stephen Eustaquio (6/10):

The captain tried to rally his side, coming close with a couple of attempts and threading an excellent through-ball to set up Laryea’s chance.

Liam Millar (5/10):

Struggled to influence the game, and it was no surprise when he was substituted shortly after halftime.

Attack

Jonathan David (3/10):

Canada’s star striker endured a nightmare outing. Substituted just after the hour mark, he was guilty of missing a gilt-edged first-half chance that could have changed the match.

Tani Oluwaseyi (6/10):

The Villarreal forward offered more attacking threat than David, and came agonisingly close to scoring when Nikola Katic cleared his header off the line.

Substitutes & Manager

Jacob Shaffelburg (6/10):

Replaced Millar around the hour mark and delivered a superb cross that Oluwaseyi nearly converted.

Ahli Ahmed (6/10):

Came on for Buchanan in the 61st minute and immediately looked lively, adding energy down the flank.

Promise David (7/10):

Replaced Jonathan David up front and made an instant impact with his work rate and creativity, assisting Larin’s equaliser with a precise first-time ball.

Cyle Larin (8/10):

Arrived on the pitch with determination and proved the difference-maker, scoring the equaliser with a brilliant touch and composed finish. Nearly snatched the winner too.

Jonathan Osorio (N/A):

Introduced in stoppage time, with little opportunity to influence proceedings.

Jesse Marsch (7/10):

While Canada lacked sharpness in the first half, Marsch deserves credit for bold substitutions that transformed the game. He now faces a major selection decision ahead of the clash with Qatar — surely Larin has earned a starting spot ahead of Jonathan David.