Why Alphonso Davies missing 2026 World Cup opener is huge blow to host Canada

Although he is one of the best left-backs in the world when healthy, Canadian star Alphonso Davies has been on the receiving end of an unfortunate career injury history. While he hasn't played to close out Bayern Munich's season or in Canada's most recent friendlies, it has now been revealed that Davies will miss Les Rouges' first group-stage game.

Coach Jesse Marsch shared with Canadian news source CBC that Davies will eventually play, just not against Bosnia and Herzegovina next week.

The defender has been dealing with a hamstring injury since May and has missed Munich's closeout from another trophy-winning season in the Bundesliga.

Here's the latest on Canada's captain being absent for their opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

• Who will win the World Cup in 2026?
• Updated FIFA World Rankings
• How World Cup qualifying works
• Explaining the expanded World Cup bracket
• Full list of teams to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Alphonso Davies injury details

In an interview with CBC, Canadian national team coach Jesse Marsch announced Davies will be held out of the country's opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.

"No, he won't play in the first game. But he'll play in the tournament," Marsch said to CBC's Adrienne Arsenault. "We're going to have to manage the group phase and get out. I think for sure he can be ready once we get out of the group. And I think if we're smart, and good, and careful, that he can be ready for the third match in the group as well."

Davies injured his left hamstring during Bayern Munich's Champions League semifinal second bout against Paris Saint-Germain earlier last month (May 6). He was originally reported to miss several weeks, and did not play in the team's German Cup final match against Stuttgart or any of Canada's recent friendlies.

Marsch said the team will take Davies' status "step by step," but urged that the team's captain will be ready for World Cup play after the first group-stage game concludes.

Will Alphonso Davies play in World Cup?

According to Coach Marsch, Davies will participate in the first World Cup on Canadian soil ever. 

While he won't play in the team's opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Davies should be able to return. After that first game, the next game he could return to would come on June 18, when Les Rouges face off against Qatar in Vancouver.

Canada World Cup schedule 2026

Canada is slated to play in Group B. In that group are two UEFA teams, along with an Asian Football Confederation squad.

Here is Canada's group-stage schedule, beginning next Friday:

Alphonso Davies injury history

While he has been one of the best left-backs in the world when he is healthy, Davies has unfortunately been subject to a variety of injuries throughout his career.

Here is a rundown on the Bayern Munich player's history on the sidelines, according to Transfermarkt: