Alphonso Davies ruled out of Canada's FIFA World Cup opener, Jesse Marsch provides latest injury update on Bayern star

Canada (30) is the lowest-ranked among the World Cup co-hosts this year. Mexico (13) and the USA (17) are ranked higher than Canada in the FIFA rankings.

Published on: Jun 12, 2026, 17:50:02 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Canada opens their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Saturday against Group B opponents Bosnia Herzegovina, and the co-hosts will be without captain Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich star has been ruled out of the opener, as confirmed by Canada head coach Jesse Marsch. Davies is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in May.

Alphonso Davies is recovering from an injury. (REUTERS)

Davies suffered the injury during Bayern's Champions League semifinal clash against PSG, and he has appeared in only two of Canada's last 21 games due to fitness problems, including an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

Also Read: Will Neymar play in Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener? Latest injury update ahead of Morocco clash

‘We did an MRI with him’: Jesse Marsch

Speaking to reporters, Marsch was optimistic about his star player's return. "We did an MRI with him [on Wednesday]. It showed very positive signs that he’s healing incredibly well, almost completely. We’re getting ready to ramp things up. I think that he’s showing, like he always has, a real good ability to recover from muscle injuries," he said.

"I think that having his private physio here has been very helpful, and the concentration on his body’s needs every day. And so we are really hopeful that over the next days and week that we can accelerate things and give him a chance to contribute here soon," he added.

Canada (30) is the lowest-ranked among the World Cup co-hosts this year. Mexico (13) and the USA (17) are ranked higher than Canada in the FIFA rankings.

"Canada has become more and more multicultural, and I think the excitement for so many different nations to be here in North America and in Canada, and to be playing with all of the greatest players in the world and some of the greatest coaches, I think that there's real excitement behind what this will be," Marsch said.

Canada will play their opener in Toronto and then take on Qatar and Switzerland in Vancouver.

Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for the tournament in dramatic fashion, eliminating Italy in the playoffs. Edin Dzeko will be their biggest attacking threat.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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