Canada's captain Alphonso Davies to miss World Cup opener due to injury

Canadian national team captain Alphonso Davies will be sidelined for the team's opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Bosnia. The defender has not fully recovered from a recent injury, according to head coach Jesse Marsch.

"She showed very positive signs and that she was healing incredibly well, almost completely," Marsch said of Davies' recovery, based on an MRI scan. "But she will not be available for tomorrow." The coach expressed hope that Davies could accelerate her recovery in the coming days or week to potentially play in later matches.

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We have done an MRI with her yesterday. It showed very positive signs and that she was healing incredibly well, almost completely. But she will not be available for tomorrow.

Davies, a left-back for Bayern Munich, has faced a series of injuries this season, including a hamstring issue in early May. She joined her teammates on May 31st and has been racing against time to be fit for the tournament. Defensive midfielder Stephen Eustaquio will wear the captain's armband for Canada's first home World Cup match.

Canada is aiming for its first victory in three World Cup appearances when they face Bosnia in Toronto. The match will feature performances by artists including Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, and Michael Bublé, who will perform the national anthem during a pre-game ceremony.

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We really hope that in the next few days, or next week, we can accelerate things and give her a chance to play.