Davis ruled out as Canada opens World Cup against Bosnia

World Cup 2026 group-stage action continues Friday with two matches, after five goals were scored across the first two games. Canada hosts Bosnia in Toronto at 10:00 p.m., while the United States faces Paraguay in Inglewood, California, between Friday and Saturday at 4:00 a.m.

Canada will be playing its opening match at home and is looking for its first World Cup win after six previous attempts, in 1986 and again four years ago in Qatar. The bad news for Jesse Marsch’s side is that Alphonso Davies will not play. Marsch said the Bayern Munich left back is still not fully fit after an MRI, adding, “He is recovering very well, but he is not at 100%. Therefore, Canada will not risk Davies and he will not play.” Richie Laryea of Toronto FC is expected to replace him.

Bosnia returns to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. Its main focus is striker Edin Dzeko, who had not been fully fit and did not feature in warm-up matches against North Macedonia and Panama. Coach Sergej Barbarez said the 40-year-old is ready and should play. Defender Nidal Celik will miss the tournament after being injured and removed from the squad.

For the United States, the president’s office said Donald Trump will not attend the match because of prior commitments. Mauricio Pochettino confirmed all 26 players are available, including Chris Richards, who has recovered from an ankle sprain and returned to full training. Pochettino said the staff will decide before kickoff whether Richards starts or sits on the bench. Paraguay also has encouraging news, as midfielder Julio Enciso trained fully after an injury in a friendly against Nicaragua and is likely to be fit.