In three days, Canada will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.
The team has been preparing; Jesse Marsch and his coaching staff have been discussing tactics, and the fans are ready to cheer Les Rouges on.
Unlike 2022, the Canadians aren’t just happy to be at the World Cup. They want to go as far as they can, especially since they are co-hosting.
But there are still some lingering questions surrounding Canada heading into the World Cup. Let’s go over four of them.
#1: Will the goals come for Canada
In their last eight games, Canada has scored eight goals. Goals have been a struggle for Les Rouges for a while, especially from open play.
In the last friendly before the World Cup against the Republic of Ireland last Friday, Canada’s attack struggled despite 20 shot attempts, with only two on target. The only goal came from an own goal by Irish defender Jake O’Brien courtesy of Stephen Eustáquio’s corner kick.
“We need to make a few more plays, right?” said Marsch after the game against the Republic of Ireland, per Canadian Soccer Daily. “Just some right decisions, and then when we do create advantages, which we created quite a few advantages, we can be a little cleaner in the final action. Then some of the ideas and relationships and speed at which we can put a combination together that can either lead to a cross across the goal or a guy who can set his feet, and now when he shoots, put it in the corner, those little things.”
“We’ll keep working on it, but we have firepower, I know that. And I know the goals haven’t been coming, and I’ve been saying they’re coming, and I’m going to say it again: they’re coming.”
The goals need to come right when the World Cup kicks off for the Canadians. Bosnia and Qatar are known for playing low blocks, and the Canadians have struggled to break them down.
It will be interesting to see who lines up with Jonathan David against Bosnia. Will it be Promise David, Cyle Larin or Tani Oluwaseyi? David is looking for a strong World Cup after a disappointing first season with Juventus. Promise David wants to rebound after a long-term injury; Larin has not translated his Southampton form to the national team. Oluwaseyi is looking for a spark after two league goals with Villarreal last season.
Tigres UANL’s Marcelo Flores was supposed to be one of the main creators, but an ACL injury meant he had to withdraw from the Canada squad, and he was eventually replaced by Austin FC’s Jayden Nelson. Nelson brings speed and versatility to the Canadian attack.
Nelson’s former Vancouver Whitecaps teammate and current Norwich City winger Ali Ahmed also brings pace and tenacity. Hull City’s Liam Millar impressed in the friendly against the Republic of Ireland, and his creativity and versatility can spark the attack. Of course, we cannot forget about Tajon Buchanan of Villarreal, whose speed and agility have powered Canada in the past. LAFC’s Jacob Shaffelburg is also a speedy option off the bench.
The wingers and strikers have the ability to create goals. But can they do it on the biggest stage of them all?
#2: Will Moise Bombito be fit? (And what about Ralph Priso?)
Moise Bombito did not play a game of soccer from October 5, 2025 until June 1, 2026, when he played a half in Canada’s 2-0 friendly win over Uzbekistan. Bombito missed most of the 2025-26 season due to a left tibia fracture.
This past Saturday, TSN’s Matthew Scianniti reported that Canada was set to replace Bombito from the squad after determining his “surgically repaired leg is not healthy enough for him to compete.”
But on Sunday, Marsch provided some clarity regarding Bombito and revealed he wasn’t replaced from the team yet.
“He’s (Bombito) 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,” Marsch told TSN in Toronto.
Given that information, it seems that the Canadian team will determine if Bombito is healthy right before the World Cup starts, as teams can make any changes due to injury until the day before the tournament.
If Bombito is not ready to go, it would make sense to bring in Ralph Priso of the Whitecaps. He has been with the squad for the friendly window.
Priso’s defensive awareness, ball-playing and versatility would help Canada. But it seems he is dealing with a hamstring issue. (probably the same hamstring that kept him out from March to June) Priso and Alphonso Davies are in the “return to play protocol.”
At the time of this writing, it remains unclear whether Bombito or Priso will be ready and healthy in time for the World Cup. Canada is better off with Bombito as he is their best centre-back, but Priso would be a very good depth option.
#3: How will the rest of the backline do?
What about the rest of the backline? As seen against Uzbekistan and the Republic of Ireland, Canada had issues with defending transitions. Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland will look to exploit Canada that way.
Luc de Fougerolles impressed in the two friendlies and could get the start alongside Derek Cornelius against Bosnia. With Davies still not ready, Richie Laryea will definitely start as a left-back, and Alistair Johnston will start at right-back.
Niko Sigur and Alfie Jones as the depth guys will be key. Sigur’s versatility as an RB and midfielder and Jones’ defensive awareness, could be key to stopping quick transitions.
Canada have done well defensively (and also due to solid goalkeeping) in their last eight games, conceding just three goals. However, the World Cup will be a different type of environment. The Canadians need to learn that they can be mature defensively and not make silly mistakes.
#4: Can Canada win the Group?
The Swiss are the obvious favourites to win the group.
They have been known to be a quiet but stingy and efficient team at World Cups and Euros. Switzerland are led by their captain Granit Xhaka, who played a massive part in helping Sunderland qualify for the Europa League one year after being promoted from the Championship.
Their goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is one of the game’s elite. Manuel Akanji is a force for the Swiss at the back, and Breel Embolo is expected to be a thorn in the side of opponents as he leads the attack.
Canada play the Swiss on June 24 at Vancouver’s BC Place. That game could determine if the Canadians make it to the Round of 32 or not.
Bosnia, led by the veteran striker Eden Dzeko, will be tough to break down defensively, as mentioned. That game has potential to be a very tight draw. Canada should beat Qatar on paper, but they should never be underestimated.
With Canada’s final third issues and injury concerns, it is likely they finish second. But that does not mean winning the group is possible.
Let us know any other questions or concerns for Canada, or how you think they will do at the World Cup! Area 51 Sports Network and the Terminal City FC podcast will provide extensive coverage of the tournament.
