Alphonso Davies, the Bayern Munich defender and captain of Canada’s national team, has been included in the country’s 26‑player squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, even though a hamstring injury sustained earlier this month threatens his availability for the tournament opener.
A timely call‑up amid injury concerns
The 25‑year‑old full‑back, who scored Canada’s first ever World Cup goal against Croatia in 2022, remained on the roster despite medical reports indicating a strained hamstring. Coach Jesse Marsch said the decision reflects both the player’s importance to the side and the team’s depth at the defensive position.
Marsch named a balanced squad that features nine defenders, ten midfielders, four forwards and three goalkeepers, among them veterans Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan, who are expected to shoulder much of the attacking load.
The squad’s preparation has been staged in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the team has been training ahead of two friendly matches against Uzbekistan and Ireland. Those games will serve as a final rehearsal before Canada opens its group‑stage campaign on home soil.
Home‑field advantage for the co‑hosts
Canada is sharing the hosting duties with the United States and Mexico, and every group‑stage match will be played on Canadian soil. The first test arrives on June 12 in Toronto, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans welcome back a player who has become a symbol of the nation’s growing football presence.
While the final lineup for the opening match has yet to be decided, the coaching staff remains undecided between goalkeepers Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair, adding a layer of intrigue to the defensive setup.