The injury concerns are not going away for Canada’s men’s national team as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.
Star defender Moïse Bombito was in the starting lineup for Canada’s international friendly against Uzbekistan at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Monday, but departed the pitch at halftime walking “gingerly,” according to TSN’s Matthew Scianitti.
Moïse Bombito walked off at halftime gingerly. Had ice on his left leg - the leg he broke - as he walked with #CanMNT medical staff to the lockerroom at halftime. He didn't appear in discomfort when he came off. @TSN_Sports @tsnsoccer
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) June 2, 2026
Bombito had ice on his left leg as he walked to the locker room with trainers, the same leg his broke in October of 2025 while playing for his club team Nice of Ligue 1.
The Canadian men’s national team said Bombito does not have a new injury and his minutes and substitution were “by design” given the rainy and wet playing conditions in Edmonton.
The reality could be that Moïse Bombito has a minutes restriction. He last played 239 days. Wet pitch. Sprinting and dynamic movement. Certainly concerning, but the ice pack and the limp isn't entirely surprising https://t.co/BGwKbE4IZH
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) June 2, 2026
The 26-year-old played 30 minutes on Monday, his first game action for the national team since suffering the broken tibia.
Bombito slipped early in the game while trying to defend an Uzbekistan breakaway before clearing the ball with a sliding effort a few minutes later.
Following the 2-0 win, Bombito was seen walking with his team, this time with no noticeable limp and no ice on his leg.
Bombito told Scianitti he had 30 minutes in him for Monday’s game and felt “sore.”
Spoke to Bombito as team walked off, said he had 30 minutes in him tonight, but he is "sore." @TSN_Sports @TSNSoccer #CanMNT https://t.co/KPYkYNEuyB
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) June 2, 2026
The Montreal native has 19 career appearances for the Canadian men’s national team, dating back to 2023.
Bombito is just one of the major question marks for Canada entering the World Cup.
Alphonso Davies was seen jogging around the pitch at Commonwealth Stadium, but his status for the opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 is still up in the air.
Marcelo Flores was also lost for the tournament over the weekend due to a ruptured ACL.
Canada plays Ireland in Montreal on Friday in their last pre-World Cup game.
