Davies Rejoins Canada Camp as World Cup Nears, But Return Date Remains Uncertain

With the World Cup just days away, Canada has received a significant boost with the arrival of captain Alphonso Davies, even though the star defender is not yet ready to return to competitive action.

Davies joined the Canadian national team on Sunday as preparations continue for the tournament, but he remains focused on recovering from a hamstring injury suffered last month while playing for Bayern Munich. The injury occurred during Bayern’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinals, a result that ended the German club’s European campaign.

The 25-year-old left back watched from the sidelines on Monday as Canada defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 in a World Cup warmup match in his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. Despite not being available for selection, Davies was seen running laps around the field before kickoff, offering a positive sign regarding his recovery.

“It feels nice to get back on the pitch and do some running. I’m happy to be home, I’m happy to be with the boys and support them, whether it’s just on or off the pitch,” Davies said.

Canada included Davies in its 26-player World Cup squad announced on Friday, highlighting the importance of the defender to the national team’s plans. However, he declined to set a timetable for his return.

“We just have to see how everything goes over the next couple days,” Davies said. “I’ll just continue my rehab, my progression, and see how I’m feeling, day by day, step by step.”

The latest setback follows a difficult period for Davies, who has not represented Canada since March 2025. At that time, he suffered a torn ACL during the CONCACAF Nations League finals, beginning a lengthy rehabilitation process. The Bayern Munich star admitted the past year has tested him both physically and mentally.

“It was tough. I mean, the last year was obviously an up-and-down moment for me, with the ACL that happened, with the low muscle injuries here and there, but at the end of the day I think I just have to keep my head down, keep working, can’t let that affect me,” he said. “Obviously, it was tough mentally and physically, but I’m feeling good now, and hoping to recover as quickly as possible.”

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch emphasized that the team will take a cautious approach with its captain’s recovery.

“What we don’t want to do is put him in a situation to suffer again and to be vulnerable again,” Marsch said. “We’re gonna make sure that as a staff that we do a good job of really looking at him every single day, monitoring every single day, and putting him in position to succeed.”

Canada opens its World Cup campaign on June 12 in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with supporters hoping Davies will soon be ready to make his long-awaited return.