Davis Ruled Out as Canada Opens World Cup Against Bosnia

Canada will begin its World Cup 2026 campaign at home in Toronto tonight at 10:00 p.m. against Bosnia, with Jesse Marsch’s side hoping to win its first World Cup match after six failed attempts, in 1986 and again four years ago in Qatar. The hosts have scored five goals across the first two games of the tournament’s opening round and will now try to take advantage of home-field support.

Canada will do so without Alphonso Davies. Marsch said at a press conference that the Bayern Munich left back is still not fully fit after an MRI, adding, “He is recovering well, but he is not at 100 percent. Therefore, Canada will not risk Davies and he will not play.” Richie Laryea of Toronto FC is expected to replace him in the lineup.

Bosnia is back at the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. Its main focus has been striker Edin Dzeko, who was not fully fit and missed both warm-up matches against North Macedonia and Panama, but coach Sergej Barbarez confirmed the 40-year-old is ready and expected to play. Defender Nidal Celik will miss the tournament after being injured and removed from the squad.

Later, between Friday and Saturday at 4:00 a.m., the United States will host Paraguay in Inglewood, California, in its first World Cup match. Donald Trump’s office said he will not attend because of prior commitments. Mauricio Pochettino said all 26 players are available, including Chris Richards, who has recovered from an ankle sprain. Paraguay also got encouraging news, as Julio Enciso trained fully after a knock against Nicaragua and is likely to be fit.