Canada have received a significant boost ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against South Africa after captain Alphonso Davies was declared fit for Sunday’s knockout encounter.
Head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed that the Bayern Munich star has fully recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered during his club’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, clearing him to return for one of Canada’s biggest matches of the tournament.
Davies’ availability comes at a crucial stage of Canada’s World Cup campaign, with the knockout rounds demanding both experience and quality against a South African side that has impressed throughout the group stage.
“Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it’s a big moment for the team and a big boost for the team,” Marsch said on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Ghana-born full-back has missed Canada’s opening three matches after suffering the injury at club level, depriving the team of one of its most dynamic attacking outlets.
Although Davies was close to featuring in Canada’s final Group B fixture; a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland Marsch opted against risking his captain, preferring to preserve him for the knockout phase.
The cautious approach reflected Canada’s determination to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of the decisive matches.
Davies admitted watching from the sidelines had been one of the most frustrating experiences of his career.
“It was hard to watch those three games,” he said. “It was painful. The only thing you want to do is play.”
Marsch has consistently emphasised the importance of carefully managing elite players returning from injury, particularly during the physically demanding schedule of a World Cup.
“You have to treat them like they’re Ferraris,” the Canada coach added.
The return of Davies restores not only Canada’s captain but also one of their most dangerous attacking weapons. His pace, dribbling ability and experience at the highest level are expected to provide Canada with a different dimension as they prepare to face South Africa.
With both nations aiming to reach the Round of 16, Davies’ comeback offers Canada renewed confidence and leadership at a pivotal moment in their World Cup journey.
His presence is expected to significantly strengthen Canada’s attacking threat as they look to overcome a disciplined South African side and continue their historic run in the tournament.
