Davies returns as Canada’s World Cup gamble pays off

Canada’s World Cup knockout rounds begin Sunday with Alphonso Davies available to play, coach Jesse Marsch confirmed in Inglewood on Saturday.

The Bayern Munich left-back has been cleared after three hamstring injuries in four months, including a Champions League semifinal setback last month. Marsch admitted he previously used Davies as a tactical decoy during the group stage, publicly stating he was fit when he was not. That deception is over, the American coach said.

“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. “I think in general, all the players that came into camp with little injuries are now really close to 100 per cent and ready to perform at the highest level.”

Davies missed Canada’s three home games in Toronto and Vancouver due to the hamstring issue. He pushed to play in the group-deciding loss to Switzerland last Wednesday, asking Marsch for minutes before the match. “The only thing you want to do is play football,” Davies said. “That's what I'm really passionate about.”

Marsch refused to detail Davies’ role against South Africa, including whether he will start or how many minutes he will play. Canada travels to SoFi Stadium for the Round of 32 clash after losing to Switzerland sent them to Los Angeles instead of Vancouver.

Canada beat the U.S. 2-1 in this same stadium in March 2025 during the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match, but lost Davies to a torn knee ligament that kept him out until December. The hybrid turf surface, largely natural grass for top soccer events, will host Canada’s first knockout match.

“Could have happened anywhere,” Davies said. “Coming back to the stadium, I get to finish something I started a year ago in March. I really enjoy playing in this stadium.”

Marsch and Davies prioritized long-term fitness over rushing the left-back’s return. “For me to go tell our best player, and a guy that is a huge piece of everything that we do, that we have to wait, was also painful,” Marsch said. “But we've done this in the best interests of Alphonso and his career and his health.”