UMVA has learned that Canada’s much‑hailed captain Alphonso Davies will miss the opening match of the 2026 World Cup despite the nation’s glittering kickoff ceremony.
After a spectacular pre‑game show featuring iconic Canadian artists, the host nation hopes to spark a winning start against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
But the Maple Leaf squad faces a daunting challenge: they have yet to taste victory in any of their six previous World Cup outings.
Still, the starting eleven boasts a blend of youthful fire and seasoned talent, including Juventus striker Jonathan David leading the attack.
Davies, the 25‑year‑old left‑back who can also dominate the wing, suffered a hamstring tear in Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi‑final against PSG in May.
Although he has returned to training, the injury’s lingering effects have kept him out of the match‑day roster, and the coach confirmed he will not be called off the bench.
“The MRI showed very positive signs—his muscles are healing remarkably well,” the head coach explained, noting the player’s reputation for rapid recoveries.
He added that Davies’ private physiotherapy team, now based with the national squad, has accelerated the rehabilitation process, fueling optimism for his return in the coming weeks.
Canada sits in Group B alongside Qatar and Switzerland, and the team will rely on its depth while hoping the star’s comeback arrives soon.
Remarkably, injuries have limited Davies to just two appearances in Canada’s last 21 matches, underscoring the urgency of his return.
