Davies Ready to Write a New Chapter at the Scene of His Injury Nightmare
Alphonso Davies appears set to make his long-awaited return to the Canada squad on Sunday when they take on South Africa in the World Cup last-32 stage at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — the very ground where his ACL nightmare began just over a year ago.
According to The Guardian, Davies made his first media appearance of this tournament on Saturday, confirming he expects to be involved in what will be Canada’s first-ever World Cup knockout fixture. The Bayern Munich left-back has not featured for his country since suffering the ACL injury at the same stadium back in March 2025 and acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion. “Coming back to this stadium, [it’s] like now I get to finish something I started a year ago,” he said.
Davies’s return could hardly come at a better time for coach Jesse Marsch. Canada were beaten by Switzerland in Vancouver in their final group game, with Marsch’s attempts to play down Davies’s fitness as a tactical distraction failing to have the desired effect. The co-hosts were sent south to Los Angeles needing a win to keep their impressive debut World Cup campaign alive.
The good news for Canada does not stop with Davies. Defender Moïse Bombito is also expected to be available, handing Marsch arguably his two best players back just as the tournament enters its most critical phase. The bad news is that midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a serious leg break against Qatar and will play no further part, while vice-captain Stephen Eustáquio is a doubt after being limited to 30 minutes from the bench in Vancouver due to muscle fatigue.
On paper, Canada have the edge. South Africa sit 30 places below them in the FIFA rankings. In practice, Bafana Bafana arrive in better form, having produced one of the group stage’s biggest shocks by defeating South Korea earlier this week. Midfield anchor Teboho Mokoena also returns from suspension, likely partnering Yaya Sithole — who made amends for an early red card with a strong display against the Koreans.
South Africa manager Hugo Broos, speaking to the press on Saturday, said qualifying from the group stage already represents a success for his nation, but made clear the squad wants more.
For UK bettors tracking the tournament, the winner on Sunday will be first into the last 16, then waiting to see whether Morocco or the Netherlands emerge from their own tie. Keep across the latest on our World Cup 2026 hub and check the live standings as the knockout rounds take shape.