Marsch Faces Mounting Injury Crisis as Canada's 2026 World Cup Dreams Hang in Balance
Jesse Marsch believed he had secured another crucial component for the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations.
However, merely two matches following his return from a half-year layoff and just days before joining the No. 26-ranked Canadian men's national squad for October exhibitions against No. 25 Australia and No. 17 Colombia, key center-back Moïse Bombito sustained a tibia fracture during action with Nice.
The 23-year-old defender will undergo surgical intervention to insert a stabilizing rod in his leg and faces an anticipated recovery period of four to five months.
For Canada, this represents a devastating setback—losing one of the globe's quickest central defenders and arguably the squad's most crucial player since his progression from MLS to excellence in France.
Nevertheless, it also serves as a rallying point and demonstrates the depth Canada has cultivated, immediately turning to 19-year-old Luc De Fougerolles—an impressive performer in recent training camps and during his inaugural professional campaign with Belgium's Dender.
"We're incredibly disappointed... he had put in tremendous effort to return to match fitness, and naturally, we were thrilled because he's such a fundamental element of our approach," Marsch explained to media in Montreal, where Bombito was anticipated to feature prominently before his home supporters.
"Moïse is an extraordinary individual in how he manages adversity. When you contact him for support, you end up feeling like he's the one providing comfort, given his optimistic outlook and self-confidence."
Adapting to Reality
Bombito's unavailability represents a missed chance to evaluate Canada's optimal defensive configuration, pairing the Montreal-born player with Derek Cornelius at center-back, against two nations already secured for World Cup participation.
Missing Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies and Bombito, Canada was eliminated from the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup at the quarterfinal stage, representing their last competitive fixture before co-hosting next year's expanded 48-team competition with the United States and Mexico.
In September, they subsequently lost Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston to injury, leaving Marsch without three members of his anticipated starting defensive quartet.
Consequently, they will proceed with the modified defensive line, which by World Cup time will possess greater cohesion than the preferred starting unit.
"Reaching 100% capacity for the World Cup may prove challenging," Marsch acknowledged. "This is precisely why we've focused extensively on developing squad depth, ensuring we have players prepared to compete when the tournament arrives."
Cornelius will lead the defense partnered with De Fougerolles. Replacing Davies and Johnston, Toronto FC's Richie Laryea and Hajduk Split's Niko Sigur are projected to assume starting fullback positions.
"We remain optimistic about returning Davies and Bombito to full fitness, while Johnston is progressing well," Marsch added. "Our goal is maintaining these players in peak condition and health to achieve maximum readiness for the World Cup.
Buchanan's Recovery Offers Encouragement
The Canadian team understands Bombito's injury intimately, having recently witnessed winger Tajon Buchanan's recovery from an identical condition.
Buchanan experienced a tibia fracture during Canada training at the 2024 Copa América and received comparable surgical treatment that Bombito will undergo. Following his national team return this summer, he has netted four goals with one assist while establishing himself as a starter with Villarreal in La Liga.
"We expected something comparable to Buchanan's situation, which essentially matched our scan results. His recovery took four months," Marsch noted. "Given Bombito's physical attributes, age, and other factors, I see no reason he can't follow a similar timeline. We're hoping for no complications and a robust recovery."
Barring future complications, Canada's preferred defensive unit could be available for the pre-World Cup period from June 1-9, though both Johnston and Davies might return for November friendlies against Ecuador and Venezuela.
Until that time, squad depth becomes paramount, alongside fostering deeper team culture—a vital process as time counts down to their World Cup opener on June 12.
"The squad clearly understands our playing style, and what's abundantly evident now is our focus on developing collective leadership and team character," Marsch stated.
"It's not merely encouraged but essential that they engage daily, feel comfortable challenging teammates, maintain open dialogue, and demonstrate readiness to assume control on the field."