Davies World Cup Status
Canada's captain Alphonso Davies still limited in World Cup practice due to hamstring injury
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Canada captain Alphonso Davies remains limited in World Cup training as his country prepares to face Qatar, according to Associated Press. Davies warmed up with the team at the National Soccer Development Centre in Vancouver on Monday but stayed in a "return to play" protocol — meaning he has not yet rejoined full group sessions.
Davies has not played a single minute for Canada since March 2025 — roughly 456 days ago, per Associated Press. His absence is the biggest question mark for a host nation sitting on just one point after its opening 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A Brutal Injury Run Keeps Davies on the Sideline
Davies' road to the 2026 World Cup has been defined by setbacks. In March 2025, he tore his ACL and damaged cartilage in his right knee during a CONCACAF Nations League match against the United States. He returned to play for Bayern Munich in December 2025 after a 221-day recovery, according to Winnipeg Free Press.
The trouble did not stop there. Davies suffered a torn muscle fiber and a minor hamstring strain during the 2026 season. Then in May, he hurt his left hamstring in a Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern Munich doctors estimated a recovery of "several weeks." He arrived at Canada's training camp on June 1 but immediately began an independent protocol away from the squad.
Marsch Sees Positive Signs, But Keeps His Cards Close
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch offered cautious optimism this week. "We did an MRI with him yesterday. It showed very positive signs that he's healing... we're getting ready to ramp things up," Marsch said, according to Newsday. Marsch was recently extended as coach through 2030 — a sign of the federation's long-term commitment to his leadership.
Marsch ruled Davies out of the opener against Bosnia on June 11. Whether Davies suits up against Qatar on June 18 hinges on the final training session at BC Place on June 17. Without him, Canada relied on Cyle Larin, who scored the equalizer in the 78th minute to salvage a point in Toronto, per Associated Press.
Group B Is a Four-Way Tie With Everything to Play For
Every team in Group B — Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina — has exactly one point after the first round of matches. Qatar earned their historic first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland on June 13, according to Post Register. The group is as open as it gets.
Defender Joel Waterman summed up the stakes plainly. "We know the group is wide open... Qatar is going to be very difficult... we're looking for two wins," he said, per Associated Press. A loss to Qatar would push Canada to the edge, likely forcing a must-win final group game against 19th-ranked Switzerland.
Canada Without Davies Means a Very Different Team
Davies is Canada's all-time leading scorer among active players, with 15 goals in 58 caps, per Associated Press. His speed and creativity on the left wing are hard to replace. In the draw with Bosnia, Canada controlled 56% of possession but struggled to break down a packed defense — a problem Davies typically solves on his own.
If Davies cannot start against Qatar, Marsch is expected to shift Jacob Shaffelburg or Liam Millar into a bigger role on the left. The training base at the University of British Columbia — home to MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps — gives Davies access to hydrotherapy and sports science support critical to his recovery, according to Yahoo Sports.
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