Alphonso Davies World Cup Injury concern as Canada defender is set to miss the 2026 World Cup opener but may return later in the tournament

Canada national team head coach Jesse Marsch has confirmed that Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies is expected to miss Canada’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury, although there remains optimism he could feature later in the tournament.

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Davies suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Bayern Munich during their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain on May 6.

The Bundesliga champions later confirmed that the 25-year-old would be sidelined for several weeks.

The left-back has endured a disrupted season in Germany, making only 13 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich.

Canada will begin their home World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12, before facing Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver.

Speaking at a training camp in Charlotte, Marsch expressed cautious optimism about the defender’s recovery.

“I think Alphonso will play in the World Cup,” Marsch said. “I don’t think he’ll be quite ready on June 12… but we’ll see.”

Davies, who was included in Canada’s 32-man preliminary squad, is expected to link up with the team shortly before their friendly against Uzbekistan on June 1.

He is also part of preparations for Canada’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Montreal on June 5.

The former Vancouver Whitecaps defender last featured for Canada in March 2025 against the United States, where he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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Davies also missed earlier international fixtures due to recurring hamstring issues but remains a key figure in Canada’s plans for the tournament.