Canada relies on returning star Alphonso Davies for World Cup knockout against South Africa

Canada will face South Africa in the round‑of‑16 match of this year’s FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium. Coach Jesse Marsch highlighted the availability of left‑back Alphonso Davies as a decisive factor, calling him a “big moment and a boost” for the team and referring to him as a “factor X”.

Davies, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in March 2023 while playing at the same venue against the United States, missed the rest of the season and several months of international duty. After a long rehabilitation, he is now fit and expected to start, offering Canada a stronger defensive and attacking option. The match marks Canada’s first appearance in a World Cup knockout stage, while South Africa is also seeking its first progression beyond the group stage.

Both coaches expressed optimism: Marsch stressed that Davies’ return changes the squad’s potential, and South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos noted his team’s improved form after edging past Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea in the group stage.