Alphonso Davies had an unexpected return to the pitch in his hometown of Edmonton, but despite the circumstances, the Canadian captain expressed his joy at being back. Davies engaged in some running drills before Canada faced Uzbekistan in a pre-World Cup friendly at Commonwealth Stadium. This allowed him to test his injured hamstring, which had previously kept him from joining the team during training camp in Charlotte, N.C.
“I’m pleased to be back on the field and running,” said the 25-year-old Bayern Munich defender after witnessing Canada’s 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan. “Being home with the team, supporting them, whether on or off the field, brings me happiness.”
Having reunited with the national squad in Edmonton, Davies’ return to playing remains uncertain. Head coach Jesse Marsch mentioned that Davies is following his club’s rehabilitation program and will be under daily monitoring while with the national team. Marsch emphasized the importance of not rushing Davies back to competitive action to avoid any setbacks.
Davies, who has represented the senior national team in 58 matches, scoring 15 goals and providing 17 assists, notably scored Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal against Croatia in November 2022. Injuries, including a torn ACL, have sidelined him from national team duty since March 2025, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming World Cup.
Canada is set to commence their World Cup campaign against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12. When asked about his readiness for the tournament, Davies stated it was too early to predict, highlighting the ongoing progress of his rehabilitation.
Marsch acknowledged Davies’ influence on the team’s motivation as they prepare for the World Cup, expressing hope for his significant role in the competition as they progress. The coach emphasized a cautious approach to gradually reintegrate Davies into the squad, with the aim of maximizing his impact as the tournament advances.