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Marsch Admits He Benched Injured Alphonso Davies as Decoy After Canada’s 2-1 Loss

The coach said the benching was a psychological tactic, a revelation that raises fresh questions about Davies’ fitness.

Overview

  • Canada lost 2-1 to Switzerland and finished second in Group B, which means the team will play its Round of 32 match in Los Angeles rather than on home soil.
  • Head coach Jesse Marsch said Davies was not fit to play and that he kept the left back on the bench deliberately to make Switzerland prepare for him.
  • Davies arrived at the tournament carrying a recent hamstring injury from Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi and has not played for Canada since March 2025.
  • Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said his side considered Davies in planning but that individual focus did not change their overall game preparation.
  • Marsch said he will evaluate Davies’ involvement going forward while players voiced urgency after the defeat, with striker Promise David reporting a postgame call to 'wake up.'