As Canada’s national football team gears up for crucial friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia later this month, coach Jesse Marsch has received some encouraging news amidst a growing injury list. Alistair Johnston, the Celtic fullback, and Moïse Bombito, a centre-back for Nice, have been invited to participate in training as they work towards regaining full fitness following their respective injuries.
Injury Updates: Johnston and Bombito’s Return
Alistair Johnston has been sidelined since October due to a hamstring injury that necessitated surgery, preventing him from featuring for Celtic. Meanwhile, Moïse Bombito suffered a fractured left tibia during a Ligue 1 match in early October, shortly after returning from a four-month rehabilitation period that followed wrist surgery and a stress fracture. Both players’ presence at training represents a step forward for the Canadian squad, although they will not be available for selection just yet.
Despite these positive developments, Canada’s injury woes continue, with prominent absentees including captain Alphonso Davies, defenders Sam Adekugbe, Zorhan Bassong, and Alfie Jones, as well as midfielder Stephen Eustáquio and forwards Promise David and Jacob Shaffelburg. This extensive list of injuries has opened the door for new talent to showcase their skills.
Emerging Talents: New Faces in the Squad
In light of the injuries, Canada has extended its invitation to promising players who are eager to make their mark. Among them is Aribim Pepple, a former Cavalry FC forward, who has made headlines with his impressive performance at Plymouth Argyle, scoring 12 goals this season in England’s third tier. Born in England to a Nigerian father and an English mother, Pepple moved to Calgary at the age of five and is set for his first senior call-up to the national team.
Additionally, Ralph Priso has been selected for the squad after catching the eye of coaches with his transition from midfielder to centre-back at the Vancouver Whitecaps. He previously started for Canada in a friendly against Guatemala back in January, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
The roster also features forward Daniel Jebbison, who returns to the fold after last representing Canada in June 2025. Currently on loan from AFC Bournemouth to Preston North End, Jebbison is keen to contribute to the team’s success. Veteran players like Junior Hoilett and Jacen Russell-Rowe, who recently joined Toulouse from Columbus Crew, have also been called up, with Russell-Rowe having scored the winning goal in that January match against Guatemala.
A New Addition: Marcelo Flores’ Commitment
Another notable inclusion is winger Marcelo Flores, currently playing for Tigres in Mexico. Born in Georgetown, Ontario, to a Canadian mother and a Mexican father, Flores has represented Mexico at the senior level but has made the decision to switch his allegiance to Canada. His versatility and experience will be valuable assets as the team navigates the upcoming matches.
The Canadian squad will also face Haiti, ranked No. 83, in Toronto, providing an exciting opportunity for the players to perform in front of home fans.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches and the World Cup
Marsch expressed optimism about the upcoming friendlies, highlighting the team’s eagerness to play at home. “There’s a real excitement in this group right now, and playing at home in Canada is something the players never take for granted,” he stated. The matches against Iceland on March 28 and Tunisia on March 31 will be the first for the Canadian men since their victories over Venezuela and Ecuador last November.
Following these friendlies, Canada will face Uzbekistan on June 1 in Edmonton and Ireland on June 5 in Montreal. The team’s journey to the World Cup kicks off on June 12 against an as-yet-undetermined European qualifier, followed by matches against Qatar and Switzerland later in the month.
Why it Matters
The upcoming friendlies are crucial for Canada as they prepare for the World Cup, not just in terms of performance but also as a litmus test for the depth of talent available to the national team. With several key players sidelined, this is an opportune moment for emerging talents to stake their claim and for veterans to reaffirm their positions. The support of the home crowd will be vital as Canada looks to build momentum heading into the global tournament, making these matches a significant milestone in their footballing journey.
