Alphonso Davies will not start in Canada's Round of 32 match against South Africa but is available to play after recovering from a hamstring injury. This marks his anticipated return to the field, having missed the entire group stage, including key matches in Toronto and Vancouver. Coach Jesse Marsch has strategically used Davies as a decoy during the group phase while emphasizing the player's health and readiness for the knockout round. Marsch has made changes to the starting lineup, opting for fresh players who can contribute significantly in this crucial match.

By the Numbers
  • Davies has missed all group stage matches due to injury recovery.
  • Moïse Bombito is making his first start of the tournament.
State of Play
  • Canada enters the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B.
  • The match against South Africa will take place at SoFi Stadium.
What's Next

Davies is expected to make a contribution off the bench, with potential minutes depending on the game's flow. Canada aims for its first men's knockout-round victory, relying on Davies' experience and skill.

Bottom Line

Davies' return offers Canada a significant boost as they face a pivotal match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His situation highlights the importance of player health and careful management, signaling a strategic approach to maximize team performance.