Alphonso Davies Cleared to Play Against Qatar as Canada Eyes First World Cup Win

Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies has returned to training and is confirmed by Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch to be available for the nation’s second group stage match against Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Davies, sidelined since early May with a thigh muscle injury sustained during the Champions League semi-finals, missed Canada’s opening 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although a starting role may be too soon, Marsch described Davies as looking “very good” and “ready” to contribute, particularly as a substitute where his pace could be decisive.

Canada, co-hosting the tournament, seeks its first World Cup win to improve on last-place finishes in the 1986 and 2022 tournaments. The upcoming match in Vancouver is crucial, with Marsch emphasizing the need for better preparation and a win against underdog Qatar, who also drew their opener 1-1 against Switzerland. Canada’s final group stage game will be against Switzerland on June 24. Davies, who played for Vancouver Whitecaps before joining Bayern in 2018, had played every group match in the last World Cup but was unable to help Canada advance.

Marsch and the Canadian team worked closely with Davies’ physiotherapists to ensure his fitness, dismissing earlier concerns about his recovery. The return of their star player offers renewed hope as Canada aims to make its mark on the tournament and progress beyond the group stage for the first time in history.