Bombito returns to Canada’s roster for October men’s soccer friendlies

Canada's Jonathan David (10) celebrates his goal against Panama with Liam Millar during men's international friendly soccer action in Toronto, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Canada continues its rise under coach Jesse Marsch, jumping three spots to No. 35 in the latest FIFA world rankings.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Canada defender Moise Bombito has returned to the men’s national team roster for games against Australia and Colombia in the October FIFA international window.

The Canadian men, who rose to a record No. 26 in the latest FIFA world rankings, host No. 25 Australia in Bombito’s hometown of Montreal on Oct. 10 at Stade Saputo before facing No. 14 Colombia on Oct. 14 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J.

Bombito missed four months following wrist surgery and a tibia stress fracture, forcing him out of last summer’s Canadian Shield and CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the September international window.

The speedy, impactful OGC Nice centre back took the pitch in Sunday’s 1-1 Ligue 1 draw against Paris FC and played a full 90 minutes.

Bombito, 25, broke out at the 2024 Copa America when he formed a strong centre back duo with Derek Cornelius. A defender for Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids at the time, Bombito quickly secured a move to Nice and made 35 appearances in all competitions last season.

Last time out, the Canadian men won a pair of friendlies on European soil, defeating Romania 3-0 and Wales 1-0 with 19-year-old Luc de Fougerolles filling in for Bombito at central defence.

“September was a really important step forward for our group,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said in a statement. “It was not just the results, but the way we carried ourselves in tough environments and proved we can compete with high-quality opponents.

“The belief and momentum we built in Europe will be important to carry into October, and I know the players are excited for the chance to play in front of a sold-out crowd in Montréal.”

Marsch also called up goalkeeper James Pantemis, who joins Portland Timbers teammate Maxime Crepeau and Minnesota United’s Dayne St. Clair after Jayden Hibbert held the third ‘keeper spot earlier this month.

Winger Liam Millar rejoins the roster following his anterior cruciate ligament tear last October while playing for England’s Hull City. Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osorio, who has 85 caps, is also back in the fold.

Juventus striker Jonathan David and vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio of FC Porto were also named to the 24-man roster.

Canada remains without several key players, including captain Alphonso Davis (knee) of Bayern Munich, Celtic right back Alistair Johnston (hamstring) and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Sam Adekugbe (Achilles).

The men’s national team holds a 3-5-1 record against Australia. In three matches against Colombia, Canada defeated the South Americans 2-0 in the 2000 Gold Cup final and lost in two friendlies.

In November, Canada is set to face No. 24 Ecuador in Toronto on Nov. 13 and No. 49 Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Nov. 18 as the squad continues its road to co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and the United States.

Canada Roster

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Portland Timbers (MLS); James Pantemis, Portland Timbers (MLS); Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United (MLS).

Defenders: Zorhan Bassong, Sporting Kansas City (MLS); Moise Bombito, OGC Nice (France); Derek Cornelius, Rangers FC (Scotland), on loan from Olympique de Marseille (France); Luc de Fougerolles, F.C.V. Dender E.H. (Belgium), on loan from Fulham (England); Richie Laryea, Toronto FC (MLS); Niko Sigur, Hajduk Split (Croatia); Joel Waterman, Chicago Fire (MLS).

Midfielders: Ali Ahmed, Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Tajon Buchanan, Villarreal CF (Spain); Mathieu Choiniere, LAFC (MLS), on loan from Grasshopper Zurich (Switzerland); Stephen Eustáquio, FC Porto (Portugal); Ismael Kone, U.S. Sassuolo Calcio (Italy), on loan from Olympique de Marseille (France); Liam Millar, Hull City (England); Jayden Nelson, Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC (MLS); Nathan Saliba, Anderlecht (Belgium); Jacob Shaffelburg, Nashville SC (MLS).

Forwards: Jonathan David, Juventus (Italy); Promise David, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium); Cyle Larin, RCD Mallorca (Spain); Tani Oluwaseyi, Minnesota United (MLS).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2025.