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

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 Montreal."

Marsch also called up goalkeeper James Pantemis, who joins Portland Timbers teammate Maxime Crepeau and Minnesota