Alphonso Davies is poised to make a significant return to the field after a lengthy recovery. The Canadian captain sustained a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament over a year ago while representing his country at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Now, he is expected to take the pitch on Sunday as Canada competes against South Africa in the round of 32 at this summer's FIFA World Cup.
Head coach Jesse Marsch highlighted the crucial role Davies plays in the team, stating, “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.” Although Davies returned to play for Bayern Munich after his ACL injury, he has faced a series of setbacks, including a hamstring injury from a Champions League semifinal in early May, which subsequently kept him off the national squad since March 2025.
Davies found it difficult to be sidelined during the World Cup group-stage matches that took place on home soil. He expressed his eagerness to contribute, noting, “Obviously it was painful. The only thing you want to do is play football. That’s what I’m really passionate about.” He even approached Coach Marsch seeking a chance to play in the final group-stage game against Switzerland, but Marsch opted against it, prioritizing Davies' long-term health.
Marsch acknowledged Davies as the team’s best player but emphasized the need for caution. He explained that getting athletes like Davies back into shape after an injury requires a careful, staged approach. “You have to really now maintain them and make sure that you’re hitting all the benchmarks before you let them really go and be free,” he said. Marsch emphasized the importance of proper recovery protocols for muscle injuries, ensuring that players are fully prepared mentally and physically before taking the field.
Davies joined the national squad in Edmonton at the end of May, working closely with his personal trainer Matthias Blankenburg, who assisted him through return-to-play protocols. Marsch recognized the significance of having a specialized trainer for an athlete of Davies’ caliber, which has yielded positive results, and remarked that Davies is now in excellent form.
As the coaching staff prepares for the match against South Africa, Marsch has yet to disclose whether Davies will be in the starting lineup or how many minutes he will play. He noted that discussions have taken place regarding utilizing Davies as a left-back or a midfielder, emphasizing his versatility and importance to the team's dynamics.
Davies’ presence on the pitch is expected to have a profound impact on the team, not only due to his skills but also because of the confidence he instills in his teammates. Marsch pointed out that the belief both Davies and the team have in each other could enhance their performance in the knockout stages of the tournament.
For Davies, participating in the World Cup holds immense significance. Born in a refugee camp in Ghana after his parents fled civil war in Liberia, he grew up in Edmonton. His connection to the tournament runs deep, having previously shared his inspiring story during Canada’s bid to co-host this summer's event at the FIFA Congress in June 2018. He also made history last year by scoring Canada’s first goal in a men’s World Cup.
This summer, Canada has made strides by earning their first point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina and securing their first win, a remarkable 6-0 victory against Qatar. Despite a narrow defeat to Switzerland, Canada finished second in Group B, advancing to their first knockout game in the tournament.
Reflecting on the experience, Davies shared how emotional it was to see so many Canadians supporting the team at the stadium. “The first time I stepped on the pitch at (the stadium) in Toronto, it was so surreal... It brought tears to my eyes because this is something that’s going to elevate the sport in the country so much,” he said. His enthusiasm and passion for the game remain unfaltering as he prepares to rejoin his team on the World Cup stage.
