Alphonso Davies Out of Canada's Opener: Full 2026 World Cup Injury Tracker
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway, injuries continue to shape the tournament's landscape. Alphonso Davies is the latest star confirmed absent for his nation's opening match — here is the complete status update on the key players either ruled out or racing to return.
Alphonso Davies — Hamstring (Canada)
Canada's most iconic player and a symbol of the nation's footballing ambitions, Alphonso Davies suffered a hamstring injury during Bayern Munich's Champions League campaign in May. The left-back has been managing the issue since arriving with the national squad, but head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed that Davies will not be risked for today's Group B opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto.
"He's healing incredibly well, almost completely," Marsch said. "We're not going to rush him." The expectation is that Davies will be available for Canada's second group match against Qatar on June 18 in Vancouver — and his return could be transformative for a Canadian side that relies on his pace, energy and attacking instinct on the left flank. Without him, Canada's Jonathan David carries an even heavier offensive burden.
Jurriën Timber — Groin (Netherlands)
The Netherlands confirmed before the tournament that Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber would not feature at the World Cup due to a groin injury. Timber's absence is a significant blow for Ronald Koeman's side, who lose one of their most dynamic ball-playing defenders. The Dutch, who open their Group F campaign later in the tournament, will need to reorganise their defensive shape accordingly.
Rodrygo — ACL (Brazil)
Brazil's tournament preparations were dealt a devastating blow when Real Madrid winger Rodrygo suffered a torn ACL and meniscus injury in the final weeks of the club season. The injury rules him out for what is likely the rest of 2026, meaning Brazil must now lean even more heavily on Vinicius Jr, Raphinha and — potentially — a partially fit Neymar as their attacking weapons. Estêvão also missed out on the preliminary squad due to a hamstring injury.
Lamine Yamal — Hamstring (Spain)
Spain's teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal has cleared his latest fitness test and is expected to be available for Spain's opening match. The 18-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in April but his recovery has progressed ahead of schedule, and Spain's coaching staff confirmed he is fit to start. Yamal's presence transforms Spain from a very good team into a potential tournament winner.
Neymar — Knee (Brazil)
Brazil's record goalscorer Neymar is targeting a return around June 20 against Haiti, according to earlier reports. The forward has spent much of the past two years managing knee issues and this World Cup is seen as his final chance at glory. Brazil will be cautious with his minutes, but the symbolic weight of having him on the pitch cannot be overstated.
William Saliba — Back (France)
Arsenal and France centre-back William Saliba missed the latter part of the club season with a back injury but has resumed training and is expected to be available for Les Bleus' Group I opener. His presence in France's back line alongside Dayot Upamecano gives Didier Deschamps one of the tournament's most formidable central defensive partnerships.
Summary Table
| Player | Team | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphonso Davies | Canada | Hamstring | OUT vs Bosnia (Jun 12) — returns Jun 18 vs Qatar |
| Jurriën Timber | Netherlands | Groin | OUT — entire tournament |
| Rodrygo | Brazil | ACL + Meniscus | OUT — entire tournament |
| Estêvão | Brazil | Hamstring | OUT — not in squad |
| Lamine Yamal | Spain | Hamstring | FIT — cleared for tournament |
| Neymar | Brazil | Knee (managing) | DOUBTFUL early games — targets Jun 20 |
| William Saliba | France | Back | FIT — expected to start |
| Moïse Bombito | Canada | Injury | OUT — entire tournament |
| Marcelo Flores | Canada | ACL | OUT — entire tournament |
Frequently Asked Questions
Davies is expected to be available for Canada's second group stage match against Qatar on June 18 in Vancouver, assuming his hamstring recovery continues on schedule. Canada manager Jesse Marsch confirmed he is "healing incredibly well."
Yes. Rodrygo suffered a torn ACL and meniscus injury at the end of the club season, ruling him out for what is expected to be the remainder of 2026. He will not participate in the tournament.
Yes. Despite a hamstring injury suffered in April, Yamal has cleared his latest fitness test and is expected to be available for Spain's opening World Cup match. Spain's coaching staff confirmed he is progressing ahead of schedule.