Promise David Set to Make Canada Squad for June 12 Opener

Promise David is set to make Canada’s squad for the 2026 World Cup after recovering from a major injury in February and surgery that followed. Jess Marsch said the forward is almost fully fit and should be ready for Canada’s first match on June 12.

Canada will announce its final tournament squad tomorrow, but Marsch left little doubt about David’s place in it. The coach said the forward has pushed through the recovery process and is now close to full strength.

Jess Marsch on David’s recovery

“He looks very strong, he has spent a lot of time in the gym,” Marsch said. “He is working very hard on his nutrition, sleep, and recovery.” Those details point to how David has rebuilt after the injury that interrupted his year with Union St.Gilloise.

Marsch added that the forward is “stronger than ever and almost 100% fit,” and gave the clearest signal yet about the squad decision: “He is going to make the squad and be ready for the first match on June 12, I am sure of that.”

Union St.Gilloise injury setback

David’s recovery has been the central issue since February, when he suffered the major injury while playing for Union St.Gilloise and then underwent surgery. That left his World Cup status tied not just to fitness, but to whether he could get back to top level in time for Canada’s opening match.

The forward’s route to this point has also carried a longer international wrinkle. Before choosing Canada, David had played for the Nigeria U23s in an official game, making his return from injury part of a bigger final step toward his World Cup role.

Canada’s June 12 plan

For Canada, the timing is now clear. The co-hosts are preparing to name their squad tomorrow, and David is expected to be on it with June 12 set as his return target for the first match of the tournament. That gives Canada a recovered forward back in the mix right as the roster is locked.