Overview
- Coach Jesse Marsch confirmed late Wednesday that captain Alphonso Davies will be available for Thursday’s Group B match against Qatar, but said the team will decide during the game whether to start him or use him as a substitute.
- Davies has been following a staged return-to-play after a left hamstring strain in early May and a prior ACL tear in March 2025, and training this week showed enough progress for selection without guaranteeing minutes.
- Marsch signalled a cautious approach to Davies’ use, saying the staff will judge the match situation and Davies’ contribution before committing to giving him significant minutes.
- Centre back Moïse Bombito has shown encouraging progress in training and could be selected, while defender Alfie Jones has been ruled out with a muscle issue.
- All four teams in Group B enter the round level on one point, so Canada’s choice to risk minutes for Davies will affect short-term tactics and the chance to top the group and keep a knockout match at BC Place.