World Cup
Canada’s Jonathan David must rebound against Qatar with Davies still sidelined
Canada’s World Cup campaign faces a pivotal moment on Thursday as the team prepares to face Qatar in Vancouver. Jonathan David, the national team’s all-time leading scorer, struggled to impact Friday’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Head coach Jesse Marsch substituted David in the 61st minute, raising questions about his starting role against Qatar.
The second-half introduction of forwards Promise David and Cyle Larin reshaped the game for Canada. Larin, who replaced Tani Oluwaseyi in the 76th minute, scored the equalizer after Promise David replaced Jonathan David. This marked Canada’s first-ever World Cup point after consecutive group-stage losses in 2022 and 1986.
David’s performance against Bosnia drew visible frustration from Marsch. In the 17th minute, David side-footed a 14-yard shot straight at Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, prompting an exasperated reaction from the coach on the touchline. Since March, David has scored in only one of Canada’s last 10 internationals, converting two penalties in a 2-2 friendly draw with Iceland.
Canada’s next match carries historic significance. Veteran midfielder Stephen Eustaquio described Thursday’s game as one of the biggest moments in Canadian soccer history. Eustaquio, 29, emphasized the urgency of securing three points to keep qualification hopes alive. Canada currently sits third in Group B behind Switzerland and hosts Qatar.
Alistair Johnston, Canada’s right back, defended David’s broader contributions. Johnston stated that David’s value extends beyond goals and assists, highlighting his spatial awareness and playmaking ability. “I think with a guy like Jonny, people get too hung up on the goals and assists,” Johnston said. “For me, at the end of the day, he's just a really, really talented footballer.”
Alphonso Davies remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury sustained with Bayern Munich nearly six weeks ago. A team spokesman provided no update on Tuesday, though Davies trained with the first 15 for a second consecutive day. Media access was limited to the opening 15 minutes of training, preventing confirmation of his full involvement.
Teammates including Eustaquio and Richie Laryea reiterated their support for Davies’ return. “We just want to give him the opportunity to play in this World Cup,” Eustaquio said. The captain’s status for the tournament remains uncertain ahead of the Qatar match.
Canada’s attacking options have expanded, with Promise David and Larin emerging as viable alternatives. Larin, unused against Bosnia, is expected to start against Qatar. The team’s chemistry and finishing will be tested after David and Oluwaseyi combined poorly in Toronto.
Eustaquio stressed the importance of starting strongly against Qatar. “I think the urgency is to just get that first goal,” he said. “We want to be the aggressors.” Canada’s next fixture is against Group B favorites Switzerland on June 27.
Richie Laryea, 31, underscored the magnitude of the moment for Canadian football. “We all know how big of a moment this is for our country,” Laryea said. “We want to make this country a footballing country.”
Canada’s World Cup run hinges on Thursday’s performance. With Davies still recovering and David under scrutiny, Marsch faces critical decisions that could define the tournament’s trajectory.