Moïse Bombito
Non-factor in R16 loss
Bombito recorded no stats in Saturday's 3-0 defeat against Morocco.
Analysis: Bombito was unable to make an impact defensively, and he didn't register a single defensive stat. It was an underwhelming World Cup for the Nice defender, who never looked 100 percent fit and struggled to play consistently. The team needed him to step up here, and he failed to do so. He made three appearances and recorded just one shot on target, one tackle and one interception.
Finally starts World Cup match
Bombito had one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 win against South Africa.
Analysis: Bombito would finally start a 2026 World Cup match, as the defender played 59 minutes in the knockout stage win. He would see a bit of work in the defense with a tackle and an interception, helping his team to a clean sheet. He should now be slated to continue in a starting role, likely to start in the round of 16.
Cleared for Qatar match
Bombito (leg) is an option for Thursday's match against Qatar, according to manager Jesse Marsch, per Matthew Scianitti of TSN.
Analysis: Bombito has recovered from his leg injury, as he still awaits his return to play, having gone unused in the opener. That said, he now appears primed to make his return come Thursday when facing Qatar, a major bright spot for Canada as the tournament progresses. The uncertainty comes in how much time he will receive, if any at all, after missing the opener, as they are likely to be cautious. A bench role would likely suit him well for a return to play, hopefully, actually seeing the field this time.
Could be available Friday
Bombito (leg) has made progress in his recovery and has a chance of seeing action Friday against Bosnia-Herzegovina while potentially making his first World Cup start versus Qatar, Matthew Scianitti of TSN Sports reports.
Analysis: Bombito's issue wasn't serious enough for him to drop out of Canada's roster as initially feared, and he may now see a gradual increase in activity depending on how much the team requires his service in the initial contests. The defender, who has struggled with physical problems throughout the last year, could offer a solid reinforcement for his national team's back line at some point. In that case, he'll contend with Derek Cornelius and Luc De Fougerolles for playing time.
Likely confirmed in roster
Bombito (leg) is likely to be confirmed on Canada's official World Cup squad list submitted Thursday to FIFA, with sources indicating the Nice defender has made the final roster despite his ongoing recovery, according to OneSoccer.
Analysis: Bombito continues on a modified training program with the squad, with coach Jesse Marsch taking a day-by-day approach to his fitness while expressing optimism about his progress. His inclusion on the official roster comes at the expense of Ralph Priso, and while his availability for Canada's opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 remains uncertain, the coaching staff are hoping he can recover sufficiently in the next three to four days to be in contention for selection.
Remains on modified training
Bombito (leg) continues on a modified training program with Canada's World Cup squad, according to Joshua Kloke of TheAthletic.
Analysis: Bombito's continued absence from full training maintains uncertainty over his availability for Canada's opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. The defender missed most of the 2025-26 season with Nice and logged only 31 minutes in a recent international friendly, making his chances of featuring in the opening match appear slim. Derek Cornelius and Luc De Fougerolles are expected to continue as the central defensive partnership until Bombito can prove his fitness.
Still trying to be fit for WC
Bombito is still part of the Canadian squad for the World Cup and could have a chance of participating in the tournament, as manager Jesse Marsch told TSN "He's here, he's still going through a lot of little recovery issues to see if he can get himself to 100%, so we're giving him until the very last minute.", per Ben Steiner of Sports Illustrated.
Analysis: Bombito was reportedly set to be removed from the national team's roster, but that is not the case yet, with the defender retaining some hope of being ready to play at some point of the competition. However, it seems difficult for him to appear in the opening match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, given that he missed most of the 2025/26 season with Nice and logged only 31 minutes of play during an international friendly in early June. Therefore, Derek Cornelius and Luc De Fougerolles could get opportunities in the middle of Canada's back line.
Set to miss World Cup
Bombito (leg) is set to be replaced on Canada's roster due to his leg not being healed enough following surgery, according to Matthew Scianitti of TSN.
Analysis: Bombito is now likely to be dropped from the Canadian national team after an attempt to recover from a surgically repaired leg, as the defender was once again injured after playing in a friendly, clearly not enough to make the massive tournament. The defender's loss will be a major blow to the team as they lose their top defender, leaving Luc De Fougerolles and Derek Cornelius as likely starters in the middle of the defense. However, a replacement player has yet to be announced. A return for the defender should still come ahead of the 2026/27 season as he prepares for league play.
Still recovering
Bombito (undisclosed) was named on the bench for Friday's 1-1 draw against Ireland without featuring as coach Jesse Marsch continues to manage his return carefully following a reaction after his appearance against Uzbekistan, the CANMNT posted.
Analysis: Bombito's presence in the matchday squad is an encouraging step despite not seeing any action, with the coaching staff clearly prioritizing caution over rushing him back before he is fully ready. His availability for Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 will be assessed over the coming days as he is expected to start in the back line if deemed fit.
Return handled cautiously
Bombito (undisclosed) is still being monitored by Canada's coaching staff, with manager Jesse Marsch saying "We're being patient with Moise, 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. We're giving every opportunity to rebound from this and show that he can be ready to play. We haven't even started talkingabout secondary options or anything else, because we're focused on making sure that we give him every opportunity.", Joshua Kloke of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Bombito will likely start if he's ready for the World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but he's coming off a lengthy absence due to a leg injury, and the national team may want to be careful for him to avoid a serious setback. The defender didn't train Wednesday, so he'll need to gradually resume work over the next week. In case he fails to reach an optimal level, his spot could be covered by Joel Waterman or, if fit, Alfie Jones (undisclosed).
Not training Wednesday
Bombito was not a participant in full training Wednesday, according to Matthew Scianitti of TSN Sports.
Analysis: Bombito looks to be taking his return to play cautiously after months out with a broken leg, as after playing in a friendly over the weekend, he has now been withheld from practicing Wednesday. This does bring a little concern to the center-back, as it appears he may not be fully fit heading into the tournament. More importantly, Team Canada will hope there is no new injury, as that would be a major loss for the team if he misses time.
Plays 32 minutes as planned sub
Bombito (leg) played 32 minutes in Monday's 2-0 friendly victory over Uzbekistan before being substituted as a planned measure to manage his workload ahead of the World Cup.
Analysis: Bombito had expressed strong confidence in his fitness after returning from seven months without league activity, and his controlled appearance against Uzbekistan is exactly the kind of managed reintegration the staff planned ahead of the tournament. The defender is expected to be in contention to start Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12, with coach Jesse Marsch carefully building his match sharpness while keeping a close eye on the leg that required such a lengthy recovery period.
Aiming to appear for national team
Bombito (leg) is hopeful to be fit enough to play in the World Cup, commenting he is "really confident using the leg that was broken, not broken anymore...ready to use it.", Matthew Scianitti of TSN Sports reports.
Analysis: Bombito has just returned from a long absence, playing for Nice's reserve team in mid-May following seven months without league activity. The defender could be able to start in the June 12 opener versus Bosnia-Herzegovina, although it remains to be seen if he'll immediately get a 90-minute outing. He'll offer a strong alternative especially if Alfie Jones (undisclosed) is sidelined, and he'll look to contribute defensive stats when on the pitch.
Plays with reserve team
Bombito (leg) will not be available for Sunday's season finale against Metz despite having featured with the reserve team to build his fitness, according to coach Claude Puel, per Ici Azur. "Bombito will be absent even though he was able to play again with the reserve team."
Analysis: Bombito has been sidelined since undergoing leg surgery in October and his appearance with the reserve side is an encouraging step in his rehabilitation, but the first team finale comes too soon for him to be considered for selection. The Canadian center-back will now shift his focus entirely to being fully fit for the World Cup this summer, where he is expected to be an important figure for Canada on home soil if his recovery continues on schedule.
Spotted in team training
Bombito has returned to team training Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from the leg surgery he underwent back in October, the player posted on instagram, according to SolamenNissa.
Analysis: Bombito had been progressing well under coach Claude Puel's watch and his return to collective sessions is the clearest sign yet that a competitive comeback is within reach before the season ends. The Canadian center-back will need to build his match sharpness through further sessions before being considered for the matchday squad, but getting back on the pitch with his teammates is a genuinely encouraging development. With the World Cup this summer firmly in his sights, Bombito will be highly motivated to get as many minutes as possible in the final weeks of the campaign.
Hopeful to join group soon
Bombito (leg) is seeing solid progression and is eyeing a return soon, according to manager Claude Puel, per William Humberset of Nice Matin. "For [Moise], it is on course, he is progressing well and will soon join us."
Analysis: Bombito has been out since October with a leg injury that required surgery, but is finally nearing his return, as the defender is expected to join the group soon. Whether this will give him a chance at playing again this season is still unseen, as he needs to build further fitness. More importantly for him, the defender should be fit in time for the 2026 World Cup, set to represent Canada if healthy enough.
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