MONTREAL — Canada coach Jesse Marsch made one change to his starting 11 for the country’s final tune-up before the FIFA World Cup, inserting Luc de Fougerolles for Moïse Bombito at centre back.
Bombito was listed on the bench for Friday night’s international friendly against Ireland at Montreal’s Stade Saputo as his recovery from a fractured tibia continues.
The 26-year-old central defender from Montreal played just 30 minutes in Canada’s 2-0 win over Uzbekistan on Monday in Edmonton and was seen icing his leg after being subbed off. A key cog in Canada’s back line, Bombito was making his first appearance after a 239-day layoff.
Maxime Crépeau started in goal a day after Marsch named him Canada’s No. 1 goalkeeper for the global showcase, while Cyle Larin lined up next to Jonathan David at striker.
Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio wore the captain’s armband with Alphonso Davies still working his way back from a hamstring ailment. The star wingback is one of several Canadian players recovering from injury on the 26-man roster.
The tournament co-hosts open the World Cup against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto before heading to Vancouver for group-stage matches against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.
Marsch said Thursday that Canada would be patient with Bombito, who plays for France’s OGC Nice at club level.
“We’re going step by step. He had a bit of a reaction after the game in Uzbekistan, so it’s taking a little bit more time,” Marsch said. “He’s a guy that we’re giving every opportunity to rebound from this and show that he can be ready to play, and we haven’t even started talking about secondary options.”
Marsch also said he would decide who replaces injured midfielder Marcelo Flores (torn ACL) after Friday’s exhibition.
Three players who did not make the final cuts remain with the team, including Austin FC winger Jayden Nelson, Sporting Kansas City defender Zorhan Bassong and Ralph Priso, a Vancouver Whitecaps defender who previously played midfielder.
Teams can replace any injured player on the 26-man roster up to 24 hours before the first game kicks off.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2026.
Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press
