Can Jesse Marsch's Canada handle a World Cup setback after friendlies?

In a raucous send-off at Stade Saputo, Canada finished its pre-World Cup tune‑up with a 1-1 draw against a young Ireland side after a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Edmonton's torrential downpour. With friendlies complete, Jesse Marsch's squad now heads to its June 12 opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, followed by Group B matches with Qatar and Switzerland in Vancouver.

Preparations were clouded by a reported setback: Moïse Bombito is set to be replaced after medical checks found his surgically repaired leg not ready for the tournament. Bombito had become a key presence at centre back, offering recovery speed, front‑foot aggression and athletic range, so his absence would leave the squad thinner and less explosive defensively.

Maxime Crépeau has emerged as Marsch's No. 1 goalkeeper, producing decisive saves in both friendlies and giving the coach confidence in one‑on‑one moments.

Canada, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton

canada, jesse marsch, world cup, moïse bombito, maxime crépeau, bosnia herzegovina, qatar, switzerland, friendlies, centre back