Alphonso Davies addressed the FIFA Congress in Russia back in 2018, recounting his journey from refugee to Canadian citizen, which helped strengthen Canada’s bid to co-host the World Cup. Fast forward to today, as the captain of the men’s national team, Davies is still holding onto hope of playing in Canada’s first-ever men’s World Cup match on home soil. Despite facing a series of injuries that have jeopardized this aspiration, Davies remains optimistic.
During an impromptu media briefing, Davies hinted that he might not entirely rule out participating in Canada’s tournament opener on June 12 in Toronto, even though indications suggest he may require more time to recover from a hamstring injury. Emphasizing the importance of recovery, Davies mentioned that while the first game is crucial, rushing back from injury is not the wisest choice.
The Bayern Munich star acknowledged that his availability for the opening match hinges on his recovery progress in the days leading up to the game. These remarks followed a video clip where Davies initially suggested that playing the first game might not be feasible, causing a stir on social media.
Despite being part of Canada’s 26-player roster, Davies’ World Cup status has been uncertain since he sustained a hamstring injury in May during Bayern Munich’s Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain. This setback marked the third injury for Davies since his return from a lengthy layoff due to a torn ACL in his right knee in March 2025.
Born in a Ghanaian refugee camp to Liberian parents and raised in Edmonton, the 25-year-old expressed the mental toll of enduring multiple injuries. Reflecting on the challenges, Davies admitted to moments of self-doubt but underscored the support system that motivates him to make a safe comeback.
Currently, Davies and midfielder Jacob Shaffelburg are undergoing return-to-play protocols, while Canada’s team is managing various injuries. The team, ranked 30th globally, is gearing up for a friendly match against Ireland after training in Montreal.
As the co-hosts prepare to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup opener on June 12 in Toronto, Davies’ participation remains uncertain. Despite the uncertainties, Davies, a prominent figure in Canadian soccer, remains focused on supporting his team, on and off the pitch, recognizing the significance of the upcoming tournament.