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MONTRÉAL — Alphonso Davies made contact with a ball on Wednesday during a sweltering afternoon in Montréal, and that's significant news. Despite circulating reports, the Canadian star has not closed the door on featuring in his country's historic first-ever World Cup match on home turf on June 12 in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Anything is possible in life," Davies told the media. "For me, it all comes down to how the recovery progresses, how these next few days and this week leading up to the match unfold."
Davies was one of five Canadian players named to the 26-man squad who were not participating in full training just two days before their final warm-up fixture against Ireland, expected to draw a sold-out crowd in Montréal.
The 25-year-old is nursing a hamstring strain picked up during the UEFA Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain in May, which initially suggested a recovery window of four to five weeks—coinciding with Canada's World Cup opener.
Alphonso Davies hasn't completely ruled out playing in the first game and said "let's see" and that "anything is possible in life" when it comes to June 12 vs. 🇧🇦 in YYZ.
He adds that the game is approaching quickly, that he's felt lower on himself in the past and that he began… pic.twitter.com/s2HGonexoZ
Davies had initially been recovering with FC Bayern Munich before taking a brief break from football to recharge after the season. On Monday, he linked up with the Canadian squad in his hometown of Edmonton, where he watched the national team defeat Uzbekistan 2–0.
Canada moved to Montréal on Tuesday and took to the field on Wednesday. Davies worked individually with a trainer, concentrating on jogging at varying speeds below sprint intensity, before adding directional changes and ball touches—marking a positive step in his return-to-play program.
"The first game is coming up pretty quickly," Davies added. "[Jesse Marsch] and I both understand how crucial the opening match is. But we also know that recovery always has to come first. If I'm recovering as well as I can, let's see. If not, there's no point rushing—just keep the recovery going."
On Tuesday, a hastily deleted interview on the Sid Seixero Show showed Davies suggesting his hamstring injury would keep him out of the opener. However, Sports Illustrated confirmed the interview had been recorded the previous Thursday and that his condition had since improved.
Marsch, Canada's head coach, also declined to rule out Davies for the opening game, stating: "He's a freak athlete, man, and this guy is a competitor. Without trying to put pressure on him, I really believe in Alphonso, so we're taking it day by day ... he's shown to be a quick healer over the years, so I'm not counting him out."
Davies Opens Up on Injury Emotions
Since his reserved early days as a professional with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Davies has rarely spoken candidly in interviews. Given his stature at Bayern Munich and within the Canadian national team, that's been understandable. Wednesday, however, felt different.
Speaking openly, Davies shed light on the emotional burden his latest injury has placed on him, especially following an ACL tear during the March 2025 Concacaf Nations League third-place match and a string of other muscular setbacks.
"I was going into a hole where I was doubting myself, where my head wasn't on right," Davies said. "I wasn't thinking about the bigger picture, just thinking about how I felt in that moment...
"But I had some time off, and I thought about why I'm doing this and why this is important to me ... mentally, it was very draining suffering these injuries. I think it's nice to just step away and reset your mind, think of how far you've come."
📍⚜️Centre Nutrilait
The #CanMNT hit the pitch for the first time in Montréal before Friday's final tune-up vs. Ireland. It's hot out.
Updates:
- Jones, Ahmed, Bombito in modified training
- Davies, Shaffelburg in return to play
9 days until the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/Q2G84FQPJT
Davies is seldom that candid. Yet, he was aware of the narrative that had emerged from his earlier interview the week before, and had not abandoned hope of featuring in the first World Cup match on Canadian soil—a tournament he helped bring to the country with a passionate speech ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia as a 17-year-old.
"There was a doubt in my head, I was sad," Davies said, reflecting on his recent injury setbacks and World Cup recovery timeline. "From being a 17-year-old kid going to Russia and bringing this World Cup to our country and not being able to take part, it hit me ... but then again, I know how strong my body is and how strong the people around me are, and they'll push me to come back as safely as possible."
Should Davies miss the opening match, his next chance would arrive six days later on June 18 against Qatar at Vancouver's BC Place, where he launched his professional career. Canada will stay in Vancouver through at least the end of the group stage, which concludes with a June 24 clash against Switzerland.
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Canada Likely Fine Without Davies
In his candor, Davies acknowledged a reality that has become increasingly apparent over the past year. As much as he remains the team's best player when fit and serves as captain, the squad has grown capable of performing well in his absence.
Richie Laryea, who logged 30 minutes against Uzbekistan in his own return from injury, has been exceptional over the past 14 months at left back, while Niko Sigur and Alistair Johnston offer depth on the right side of defense.
"I'll give them the words of encouragement that they need," Davies added, with LAFC midfielder Stephen Eustàquio expected to lead the side as captain in his absence.
"They all understand how important the World Cup is. There's not much I can say to motivate them further. Just being at the World Cup and playing in front of and for this country is motivation enough."