Cyle Larin is entering Canada’s first-ever World Cup match on home soil with a clear focus on the task ahead, even after a turbulent club season that ended with both promise and disappointment. The veteran striker is among the players in contention to start Friday’s opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto, a landmark moment for the national team and for Canadian soccer. Larin said the occasion will be especially meaningful after more than a decade with the national program, describing the match as a special one for the players, the fans and the country’s soccer history.
The Brampton, Ontario, native went through a dramatic final six months at club level. After struggling at Feyenoord in the Netherlands, he joined Southampton on loan in January and quickly found form, scoring nine goals in 22 matches across all competitions as the English Championship club pushed for promotion. His performances were strong enough to earn him a permanent move. But Southampton’s promotion hopes were then derailed when the club was expelled from the playoff race after admitting to unauthorized filming of opposing teams’ training sessions. Larin said the episode was painful for everyone involved because of the effort the squad had invested and the results it had earned on the field.
Despite that setback, Larin says he is ready to bring the same finishing touch to Canada. He has scored 30 goals in 90 appearances for the national team, but has found the net only once in his last 17 starts. Still, Canada is counting on him and Jonathan David to supply offense as the team prepares for its third World Cup and continues searching for its first victory at the tournament. Larin said he believes the goals will come if Canada keeps creating chances and feeding him the ball, pointing to his scoring record at club level as proof of what he can deliver.
Teammates have also backed his importance. Defender Derek Cornelius said Larin’s experience, hold-up play and finishing ability are often underrated, while midfielder Tajon Buchanan called him a crucial part of the squad, especially in high-pressure moments. Head coach Jesse Marsch has continued to show confidence in the striker despite his recent drought with Canada, and Larin said that trust has helped him stay focused.
Canada will enter the match under intense attention as it looks to make history in front of a home crowd. Larin said he is taking in the broader journey of both his own career and the team’s long progress, calling the moment special for the players, supporters and the country.
Meanwhile, Canada may be without several key names. Alphonso Davies continued rehab work as he recovers from a hamstring injury, while defenders Moïse Bombito and Ralph Priso also trained individually. Midfielder Ismaël Koné did not take part in the session.
