Over 3,000 miles west of St Mary’s, Southampton have had an inadvertent hand in Canadian history. Cyle Larin came off the bench to cancel out Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first-half opener with a stunning half-volley, striking instinctively across the ball to send it swerving past Nikola Vasilj into the side-netting. It was a goal fitting of its importance: Canada are on the board at the World Cup for the first time ever.
They went pointless in Qatar four years ago, just as they did during their World Cup bow at Mexico ’86. Now, thanks to Larin’s late heroics in Toronto, that hoodoo is over. One-third of a substitute masterclass from manager Jesse Marsch, Larin delivered Canada their first ever World Cup point.
“Cyle Larin's goal gave Canada their first ever World Cup point, thanks to his loan spell at Southampton.”
The 31-year-old’s journey to heroism has not been straightforward. He spent seasons struggling in front of goal, unable to hit double figures since scoring 23 for Besiktas in 2020-21. After a dismal loan spell at Feyenoord was cut short halfway through last season, Larin – his country’s second all-time top goalscorer – feared he would be heading to a home World Cup in the worst form of his career. That was until Southampton came calling.
Larin found a new lease of life on loan at Saints in the second half of 2025-26, scoring eight goals in 16 Championship appearances as he became integral to the club’s play-off charge. While that would all fall apart thanks to espionage-based antics well out of his control, he has hailed Southampton for allowing him to rediscover his shooting boots in time for the biggest tournament of his life.
Canada smelt blood and could have taken all three points as they ramped up the pressure on a tired Bosnia team heading into the final minutes. Alas, they had to settle for a draw – but one point in 90 minutes beats none in 30 years. Celtic’s Alistair Johnston also featured for the co-hosts, but they could not find a win, as an ex-Rangers man played a big part for Bosnia. The point could prove seismic: Canada face Qatar next knowing a win can put them on the brink of progression.