Canada's final tune-ups have put Canada's depth under the spotlight. They beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in Edmonton in front of 43,000+ fans in a torrential downpour, then drew Ireland 1-1 at sold-out Stade Saputo in Montréal. The bigger issue is the injury squeeze around Moise Bombito, whose first appearance in 8 months was just 30 minutes against Uzbekistan.

How Marsch has handled the goalkeeper and centre-back calls

Jesse Marsch unveiled his goalkeeper choice in the CF Montréal coffee room at Stade Saputo, the same place he once signed an 18-year-old Crépeau to his first professional contract. It was a neat bit of theatre, but also a clear sign that K. Crépeau is the man he trusts for the opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12.

There has been some noise around whether Moise Bombito has been fully removed from the roster or simply left until the last minute. The safer read is that Canada are keeping the door open while prioritising his long-term health, which fits the way they have handled his minutes. They are not pretending the issue is settled.

That is where Luc De Fougerolles comes in. He played 150 minutes across the two friendlies, made his first full 90-minute performance since March 1 against Ireland, and now looks like the most obvious answer if Bombito cannot go. De Fougerolles has only 13 Canada caps before the opener, so this is a rapid promotion, not an established hierarchy.

Why the defensive warning signs still matter

The late chance Ireland created was the clearest reminder that Canada can still be exposed in transition. Mason Melia got in behind late and Crépeau stopped the breakaway, exactly the kind of moment Marsch will not want to see repeated against better finishing teams.

Marsch has tried to keep the mood upbeat. Speaking to goal.com, he said: "I don't think we're overly anxious or excited about the World Cup... we want to give our country something to be really proud of." Crépeau was just as direct: "This team is ready. We are ready to represent 41.5 million people, man."

The results still leave room for caution. Canada have only two wins in their last eight matches entering the World Cup, and they have gone without a point in six World Cup matches. Bosnia and Herzegovina come first, with Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 after that. The opener is the first chance to see whether Marsch's trust in his depth holds up under proper tournament pressure.

FAQ

Is Moïse Bombito fit for Canada’s World Cup opener?

Not fully certain. The reporting says Bombito played only 30 minutes against Uzbekistan, his first appearance in 8 months, and Canada are prioritizing his long-term health. Other coverage leaves room for last-minute assessment rather than a hard ruling.

Why is Maxime Crépeau ahead of Dayne St. Clair for Canada?

Jesse Marsch has made Crépeau his goalkeeper choice, and the announcement came in the CF Montréal coffee room at Stade Saputo, where he once signed Crépeau as an 18-year-old. The selection has generated debate, but it is the call Canada are making for the opener.

How has Luc De Fougerolles become important for Canada so quickly?

De Fougerolles has moved into real contention because Bombito's situation has created an opening and Marsch has already trusted him for 150 minutes across the two friendlies. He also has 13 Canada caps before the opener, so this is a fast rise into a major role.

What does Canada’s form look like before the World Cup?

Canada beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in Edmonton in front of 43,000+ fans and drew Ireland 1-1 in Montréal. They have only two wins in their last eight matches, and six World Cup games without a point, so the team enters the tournament with more questions than certainty.

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