Alphonso Davies is set to return for Canada in the World Cup last‑32 tie against South Africa, with Jesse Marsch confident the full-back’s comeback can lift the squad. Canada have reached the knockout rounds for the first time, finishing second in Group B, and now face another debutant in the last 32 as South Africa also appear at this stage for the first time.

Marsch expects Davies’ influence to be felt in several areas as Canada move into elimination football. The Bayern Munich defender has been unavailable for all three group matches because of hamstring problems carried over from the 2025-26 season. With fitness cleared, Marsch believes Davies’ return can steady the group during a new phase of the World Cup.

The head coach underlined how multiple fitness concerns across the squad have eased at the right moment. Marsch said, “Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it’s a big moment for the team and a big boost for the team.” Marsch also explained that other players who joined the camp with minor issues are now close to peak condition.

Marsch added that the medical staff refused to accelerate Davies’ recovery, even with Canada chasing progress at a home World Cup. “I think in general, all the players that came into camp with littleinjuries are nowclose to 100% and ready to perform at the highest level and be at our best in these matches,” Marsch said, stressing the value of patience.

Marsch described how difficult it was to delay the return of a key figure such as Davies, but stressed the long-term view. “For me to go tell our best player, and a guy that is a huge piece of everything that we do, that we have to wait, was also painful,” Marsch added. The coach insisted every decision followed medical guidance for the defender’s career.

Marsch continued the explanation by outlining how the staff focused on Davies’ broader future, not just this tournament. “But we’ve done this in the best interests of Alphonso and his career and his health, so it’s nice now that we can have a plan that leads to him being back on the pitch.” Davies is now available for selection, though Marsch has not revealed specific minutes.

Alphonso Davies World Cup record and Canada milestones

Davies has already left a clear mark on Canada’s tournament history. The 25-year-old scored Canada’s first World Cup goal in Qatar in 2022, striking after just 68 seconds in a 4-1 defeat to Croatia in Group F. Across international football since a 2017 debut, Davies has collected 58 caps and 15 goals, and is widely viewed as Canada’s standout player in this generation.

Canada’s current run adds another entry to that history. This is the first World Cup where Canada have advanced beyond the group stage, with the team finishing second in Group B on home soil. Their knockout meeting with South Africa is also significant for the tournament as a whole, as it is the first clash between two first-time knockout participants since 2002, when Turkiye beat hosts Japan 1-0.

Davies missed all three Canadian group fixtures at this World Cup, each played in Canada, due to the lingering hamstring issues. Canada then lost home advantage for the last 32 after a defeat to Switzerland on MD3, so the South Africa encounter will now take place at Los Angeles Stadium. Marsch has confirmed only that Davies will feature in some capacity against South Africa.

Alphonso Davies World Cup emotions and Canada’s cautious approach

Davies admitted that watching Canada’s progress from the sidelines was challenging, even with the medical logic explained. “Obviously, it was painful,” Davies said. “The only thing you want to do is play football. That’s what I’m really passionate about. The first game, watching it, I was eager to be on the pitch. Second game, even more so.”

Davies then recalled a detailed conversation with Marsch before the third group fixture. “The third game, I went to him before the game and asked him, ‘Do you think I can get a couple of minutes?’. He could have said, ‘Yeah, we’ll just throw you in there,’ but obviously he cares about me and the team as human beings as well, so he sat me down, and I thought about it, and I said, ‘He’s right.’ It was kind of hard to hear.”

Alphonso Davies World Cup stats and Canada injury history at Los Angeles Stadium

Davies’ relationship with Los Angeles Stadium is complex, mixing painful memories with a sense of unfinished work. The defender suffered a serious knee injury there in March 2025 during the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match. That setback ruled Davies out until December of last year, meaning the South Africa meeting marks a return to the scene of that long layoff.

The defender reflected on that history and the meaning of going back to the same venue. “Could have happened anywhere,” Davies said. “Coming back to the stadium, I get to finish something I started a year ago in March. I really enjoy playing in this stadium. The first time, it was beautiful. It was cut short, but that happens. It’s football.”

Davies’ importance to Canada can be seen in simple numbers as well as influence on the pitch and in the dressing room.

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While Marsch has not disclosed whether Davies will start against South Africa, both coach and player have stressed health as the top priority. Canada enter the last 32 with their key full-back again available, a largely fit squad, and a chance to extend a historic campaign in a stadium that carries special meaning for Davies.