Canada's captain Alphonso Davies is fit to play in Sunday's last-32 FIFA World Cup match against South Africa, according to coach Jesse Marsch. Davies has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during Bayern Munich's Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint Germain.

Davies had wanted to participate in Canada's final Group B game against Switzerland, which Canada lost 2-1, but Marsch advised the 25-year-old it was too soon for him to return to the pitch. "You have to treat them (players) like they're Ferraris," Marsch said, emphasizing the need for careful management of player fitness.

"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 added.

Davies himself expressed the difficulty of sitting out, stating, "It was painful. The only thing you want to do is play."

The last Group B match took place on June 24, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia, where Davies was seen reacting after the game against Switzerland at BC Place Vancouver.

Sources