Advertisement
World Cup Round of 32: Canada boss hails Davies as X-factor ahead of South Africa showdown
28th June, 2026 12:47 PM
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch believes Alphonso Davies could provide the decisive spark when his side faces South Africa on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in a FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash in Los Angeles.
The Bayern Munich defender has yet to feature at the tournament after remaining on the bench throughout Canada’s three group-stage fixtures, but Marsch described him as a crucial figure capable of transforming the team’s fortunes.
Marsch hails Davies
“Alphonso is a big X-factor for us because he is such a big talent. There are a lot of dynamic qualities that he brings to the game that make us better,” Marsch said during Saturday’s pre-match media briefing.
He also emphasised the influence Davies has beyond his footballing ability.
“Even more so, the effect that he will have on the team, the belief they have in him, and the belief that he has in himself change the possibility of what the potential of our team is in this tournament,” he added.
The 25-year-old has endured a difficult spell with injuries. In March 2025, during the CONCACAF Nations League third-place playoff against the United States at Los Angeles Stadium, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament along with additional knee damage, forcing him to spend eight months on the sidelines.
After later dealing with a hamstring problem that ruled him out of the group phase, Davies is now set to make his first appearance in Canada’s World Cup 2026 campaign.
Although Marsch stopped short of confirming whether the full-back would start or revealing how many minutes he could play, he insisted Davies is “more than ready” for the encounter with South Africa.
Looking ahead to his long-awaited return, Davies reflected on being back at the venue where his injury occurred.
Davies ready
“Now coming back to the stadium, I get to finish something I started a year ago in March,” Davies said. “Right now I am preparing mentally and physically for tomorrow.”
Canada progressed to the knockout rounds after finishing second in Group B behind Switzerland, while South Africa also claimed the runners-up spot in Group A, trailing hosts Mexico.
The two nations have crossed paths just once before at senior international level, with South Africa recording a 2-0 victory in a friendly match in 2007.
Sunday’s contest will mark the first World Cup knockout fixture in the history of both teams. The winner will advance to the Round of 16, where either the Netherlands or Morocco awaits in Houston on July 4, 2026.
