Canada knew Alphonso Davies might not be fit to begin the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil because of a recurring hamstring issue that has lingered following his lengthy recovery from a torn ACL suffered in March of 2025.
Davies’ status for the opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina was always in serious doubt, and despite missing that match, there was optimism he could return six days later against Qatar or six days after that in Canada’s pivotal group-stage finale against Switzerland.
Head coach Jesse Marsch maintained that his superstar was available for both games, yet Davies did not see a single minute of action during the group stage, leaving many — including TSN analyst Kevin Kilbane — confused and not sure what’s to come next.
“I’m sure there is medical advice from Bayern Munich as well that Canada Soccer has got to consider here. You cannot take the risk with the extent of the injury he has.
I find it a little bit bizarre what’s happened with everything around Alphonso Davies. We all knew he wasn’t going to play the first game, yet there was still that thread being dangled in front of us — yeah, he’s going to play, he’s going to play, he’s going to play at some stage in the group stage.
So Jesse Marsch has said that was never the plan and now he’s going to be available for the knockout stage. Again, we don’t know if that’s just a line that’s being fed to us right now,”
The 25-year-old Davies has recorded one goal and three assists in six starts this season for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
It’s been confusing and disappointing for everyone involved, but if Davies is fit enough to play — and possibly start — in the Round of 32, all of that quickly goes out the window.
Canada, and potentially Davies, will take on South Africa in a do-or-die matchup at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. EST.
