Canada national team defender Alphonso Davies will make his first appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the Round of 32 match against South Africa on Sunday afternoon.
The Bayern Munich star sat out the group stage while recovering from a hamstring injury, but Canada still advanced to the knockout rounds without him.
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Head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed Davies' fitness status during a press conference on Saturday, noting that the player will start the match on the substitute bench.
Marsch had previously used Davies as a strategic distraction during the group stage, forcing opponents to prepare for his potential entry.
"Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it's a big moment for the team and a big boost for the team," Marsch said via the Associated Press.
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The manager added that the rest of the squad has also recovered well from minor ailments ahead of the knockout stage.
"I think in general, all the players that came into camp with little injuries are now really close to 100% and ready to perform at the highest level and be at our best in these matches," Marsch said via the Associated Press.
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The winner of Sunday's fixture will advance to the next round, while the losing nation will be eliminated.
