Canada’s national football team has named Bayern Munich winger Alphonso Davies in its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, brushing aside doubts sparked by a recent calf strain. The decision, confirmed late Friday by head coach John Herdman, underscores the team’s confidence in Davies’ recovery ahead of the tournament co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
Key Points
- ✅ Alphonso Davies included in 26-man squad despite recent calf strain
- ⚡ Canada to face Belgium and Morocco in warm-up matches next month
- 💡 Tournament co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico kicks off in June 2026
The squad announcement follows a week of intense medical evaluations, with Davies undergoing rigorous testing in Munich. Team doctors reported no structural damage to the calf, though the player was held out of Bayern’s recent Champions League matches as a precaution. Herdman emphasized the decision was made in consultation with Davies and the medical staff, stressing that the winger’s inclusion reflects the team’s long-term strategy rather than short-term optimism.
Davies, 24, has been a cornerstone of Canada’s rise in international football, scoring 13 goals in 50 appearances since his debut in 2017. His inclusion comes amid a resurgence in Canadian football, with the team climbing to 48th in FIFA’s world rankings—a 28-place jump in the past two years. The squad, unveiled in Toronto, includes 12 players based in Europe, nine from Major League Soccer, and five from the Canadian Premier League.
| Position | Europe-based players | MLS-based players | CPL-based players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forwards | Alphonso Davies, Cyle Larin | Jonathan David | Kimarley Bedeau |
| Midfielders | Stephen Eustaquio, Mark-Anthony Kaye | Sam Adekugbe, Liam Fraser | Olivier Dame-Malal |
| Defenders | Alistair Johnston, Sam Beardmore | Steven Vitoria | Daniel Nimick |
The team’s preparation begins with back-to-back friendlies against Belgium in Brussels on September 2 and Morocco in Rabat on September 7. Both matches serve as critical test cases for Canada’s tactical approach, particularly in high-pressure scenarios. Herdman has hinted at rotating the squad, with an eye toward fresher legs for the tournament opener against Brazil in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026.
💡 Pro Tip
Monitor Canada’s lineup changes in these warm-ups—rotations could signal Herdman’s final strategy for the World Cup, especially given Davies’ injury recovery timeline.
Canada’s path to the Round of 16 in 2026 hinges on avoiding the knockout-stage pitfalls that plagued its 2022 campaign in Qatar. The team’s Group A opponents—Brazil, Switzerland, and Serbia—pose distinct challenges, with Davies expected to spearhead the attack alongside Norwich City’s Jonathan David. Herdman has described the squad as “physically and mentally prepared,” though he acknowledged the “unpredictable nature” of football.
📋 By The Numbers
- 13 — Goals scored by Davies in 50 international appearances
- 48 — Canada’s current FIFA world ranking, a 28-place rise since 2023
- 26 — Players in Canada’s 2026 World Cup squad
Fan reaction to Davies’ inclusion has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media flooded with messages of support. However, critics point to the team’s defensive frailties, particularly in wide-back positions, where depth remains a concern. Herdman’s selection of 30-year-old veteran Milan Borjan as the starting goalkeeper has raised eyebrows, given Borjan’s limited minutes with Toronto FC this season. The coach defended the choice, citing Borjan’s tournament experience, including his heroics in Canada’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
- 📊 Canada’s attacking trio of Davies, David, and Larin has accounted for 35% of the team’s goals in 2025
- 🔍 Borjan’s experience may outweigh his limited recent game time, but the position remains a potential liability
- ⚠️ Defensively, Canada has conceded 12 goals in its last 10 matches, a trend that must reverse in warm-ups
The squad will reconvene in Montreal next Monday for the first of three training camps leading up to the Belgium match. Herdman has warned that the final 23-man roster for the World Cup will be “highly competitive,” with several players on the bubble. Among those fighting for spots are youngsters like Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Raposo and Montreal Impact striker Sunusi Ibrahim, both of whom have impressed in recent domestic campaigns.
- September 2025 — Squad announcement and first training camp in Montreal
- September 2, 2025 — Friendly vs. Belgium in Brussels
- September 7, 2025 — Friendly vs. Morocco in Rabat
- June 12, 2026 — Canada’s World Cup opener vs. Brazil in Los Angeles