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Or sign-in if you have an account.Canada coach Jesse Marsch said Alphonso Davies, shown here, is finally available for the World Cup co-hosts in Sunday's knockout match against South Africa. Photo by Harry How /Getty ImagesCanada coach Jesse Marsch is banking on the “X-factor” of returning superstar Alphonso Davies to elevate his team as they face South Africa in both sides’ first-ever World Cup knockout tie in Los Angeles on Sunday.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorBayern Munich defender Davies has not yet featured in the tournament due to a hamstring injury, watching on as his teammates finished second in Group B to progress to the last 32 — but lose their homefield advantage as co-hosts.While Marsch previously hinted Davies could play in last Wednesday’s game against Switzerland and later admitted it had been a decoy, he insisted that this time the country’s highest-profile soccer star is truly “available.”Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it’s a big moment for the team and a big boost for the team,” said Marsch.“He’s a big X factor for us,” he added.Marsch hinted that Davies, typically a left-back, could be given license to roam forward, or even start in midfield “so that we get the most out of him defensively and attacking-wise.”“Being on the pitch, the belief they have in him, the belief he has in himself, I think changes the possibility of what the potential of our team is, and what we can do in this tournament.”Alphonso Davies was the last one to come out onto the pitch in the #CanMNT MD-1 in LA.A big embrace and chat with Jesse Marsch — with independent German trainer Mathias Blankenburg looming over their shoulders.📸 @cboehm pic.twitter.com/lNvDjz1sUY— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) June 27, 2026Davies picked up a hamstring injury in Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain last month.That followed a series of muscle injuries after returning from an eight-month layoff with an ACL tear in October.The contest between Canada and surprise package South Africa kicks off this World Cup’s expanded knockout rounds.Reaching the last-32 is historic in its own right for Canada. But had they drawn with or beaten Switzerland, they would have had the advantage of remaining in Canada for the next two rounds.Instead, Canada, co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Mexico, will become the first ever World Cup hosts to play a match on foreign soil.South Africa has also never reached the World Cup knockouts previously.CanMNT 🇨🇦 captain Alphonso Davies on returning from injury, pain of watching from the sidelines, and prospect of making his 2026 World Cup debut 🎙 pic.twitter.com/WB23klmwek— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) June 27, 2026After losing their opener against Mexico in a disastrous showing that included two red cards, Bafana Bafana bounced back with an impressive victory over South Korea in their final group game.Marsch said South Africa had “stayed strong in the tournament and found a way to get better as they’ve gone on.”“We’re expecting South Africa to be very intensive, to have a fast start, to be excited and spirited for this match,” said Marsch.“It’s a big moment for their federation and for their team.”Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. 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