Why isn’t Alphonso Davies playing in Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 World Cup?

Canada will see success on home soil when it plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Toronto Stadium on Friday.

However, the Reds will go into the match without one of their key players, Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich fullback scored Canada’s first-ever goal at the World Cup four years ago, finding the net within two minutes.

This time he will not play at home in the Canadian starting line-up on June 12.

Why doesn’t Alphonso Davies start in Canada versus Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Alphonso Davies will not start in Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina because he is recovering from an injury and is not fit enough for full minutes.

Although the Canadian captain has been included in the matchday squad, he is not expected to take the field.

Davies suffered a hamstring injury in the build-up to the World Cup, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, while playing for Bayern Munich against Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite the injury, he remains part of Canada’s World Cup squad and starts from the bench.

«Yesterday we did an MRI. He’s healing incredibly well, but not at 100 percent yet,» Canadian coach Jesse Marsh said before the game.

«I think we understand how important the first match is. But we understand that recovery is always important. If I recover as best as I can, then let’s see. If not, there is no need to rush, just continue the recovery.»

Davies has struggled to get playing time with the national team lately due to injury issues, having played just two of Canada’s last 21 games.

Published on June 12, 2026