“Yeah, Phonzy’s obviously the captain of our team. He’s an integral part of what we’re trying to do, and it’s so unfortunate with all of his injury history and what he’s gone through in the past couple weeks, and especially with his knee,” Waterman lamented when asked by Bolavip about Davies’ absence.

“We just want him fully back and fully healthy and fully prepared for the summer. So we just hope he’s getting the best care he can, obviously, in Germany, and making sure he comes back healthy, and that’s the number one thing,” Waterman added during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Chicago Fire‘s MLS fixture against the Philadelphia Union, which will be his last club game prior to the international break.

“And then, you know, obviously what he can provide is massive for our team and the success we’re gonna have during the World Cup, so we’re wishing him all the best, and we’re excited to have him back soon.“

Why is Alphonso Davies not playing for Canada in March?

Davies, 25, is out with a hamstring injury sustained during Bayern Munich’s first leg win over Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The star left back had to be subbed off after an apparent non-contact injury 70 minutes into the clash, leaving the field in tears as his teammates consoled him.

Davies had returned to action for Bayern in December following an ACL tear suffered in March 2025 during his last appearance for Canada. Les Rouges were expecting a long-awaited return in the upcoming window, which is why his recent setback was a huge blow.

Canada’s support for Davies

However, Waterman and his teammates will be waiting for Davies to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup. Before Waterman addressed the media on Thursday, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch shared a similar sentiment.

“He’s obviously down and frustrated a little bit, but he said this little injury, compared to even the one he experienced a month ago is much less severity”, Marsch said , via TSN Sports. “He’ll probably be 2, 3 weeks before he’s back again. He’s not going to be with us for March, which is okay. We’ll leave him there in Munich and make sure he gets himself fully fit and fully back to 100%, but I’m confident he will do that.”

Canada’s March schedule

Without Davies, Canada will play two international friendlies in Toronto, first hosting Iceland on Saturday, March 28, before they welcome Tunisia to BMO Field on Tuesday, March 31.

Waterman, meanwhile, will be chasing his 16th and 17th caps for Canada, having already represented the country in multiple friendlies and Concacaf Nations League fixtures. He was also a member of the 2022 World Cup, 2024 Copa America, and 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup rosters.

Mark DeRosa’s team features a spectacular roster with names like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Alex Bregman, Kyle Schwarber, and Paul Skenes. However, after three wins at the start of the tournament, the loss to Italy was a wake-up call.

Meanwhile, Canada is one of the biggest surprises of the WBC after finishing first in Pool A over Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, and Panama. Thanks to extraordinary pitching, the Canadians could become the dark horse during the knockout stages.

What happens if Team USA loses today vs Canada in WBC?

If Team USA loses today against Canada, the American squad will be officially eliminated from the 2026 World Baseball Classic. It would be a disappointing ending for a team that was considered by fans and experts to be the tournament favorite.

What happens if Team USA win today against Canada?

If Team USA defeats Canada, that will clinch a ticket to the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The next opponent in Miami would be the winner of the game between the Dominican Republic and Korea.

Bobby Witt Jr. will lead off playing shortstop, followed by Bryce Harper at first base and Aaron Judge in right field. Kyle Schwarber will be the designated hitter in the cleanup spot, while Alex Bregman is fifth at third base.

The rest of the lineup includes Roman Anthony playing left field, Cal Raleigh will handle catching duties, Brice Turang starts at second base, and Pete Crow-Armstrong rounds out the order in center field as Team USA prepares for a crucial knockout game.

Who is Team USA starting pitcher vs Canada in 2026 World Baseball Classic?

Team USA will send Logan Webb to the mound for the quarterfinal matchup against Canada. The right-hander, known for his consistency with the San Francisco Giants, will be responsible for setting the tone in a win or go home game.

Who is the manager of Team USA in World Baseball Classic?

The manager of Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic is Mark DeRosa. He has faced a lot of criticism during this year’s competition after admitting that he believed the team had already clinched a ticket to the quarterfinals before a surprising loss to Italy which might have cost elimination.

Team USA starting lineup vs Canada in 2026 WBC

1. Bobby Witt Jr. SS
2. Bryce Harper, 1B
3. Aaron Judge, RF
4. Kyle Schwarber, DH
5. Alex Bregman, 3B
6. Roman Anthony, LF
7. Cal Raleigh, C
8. Brice Turang, 2B
9. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF

Fans from both countries are expected to fill the stands, creating an electric atmosphere as the elimination game kicks off. The buzz surrounding this matchup goes beyond numbers.

With Team United States advancing under dramatic circumstances and Canada bringing a strong roster of MLB talent, including stars like Tyler O’Neill and Abraham Toro, the anticipation for tonight’s game has reached a fever pitch.

Massive crowd expected as Team USA faces Canada

Daikin Park is expected to welcome between 40,963 to 41,000 fans for tonight’s quarterfinal. While official attendance figures haven’t been released, ticket sales indicate a full house as enthusiasts flock to witness this high-stakes clash.

Canada’s historic run to the quarterfinals has captured the imagination of fans nationwide. After topping Pool A with an impressive win over Cuba, the team brings a lineup rich in MLB talent, including stars like Owen Caissie.

Team USA enters tonight’s game with momentum and pressure. Their path to the quarterfinals was dramatic, with an 8-6 loss to Italy forcing reliance on other results. Nevertheless, the Americans boast a deep roster of MLB stars like Aaron Judge.

As the quarterfinal unfolds, every at-bat, pitch and defensive play will be magnified by the roar of the crowd. For Team USA, it’s a chance to prove resilience; for Canada, an opportunity to make history.

The United States secured its place in the knockout round on Wednesday, though the team had to wait for the result between Italy and Mexico to officially confirm its spot. With the matchup against Canada now set, the coaching staff made adjustments to strengthen the pitching group.

According to a report shared by John Heyman, the roster changes were confirmed. “Official Team USA changes so far: Skubal, Wacha, Yarbrough off the quarterfinal roster. Will Vest, Tyler Rogers, Tim Hill added to the quarterfinal roster.”

Why Team USA adjusted the pitching staff

Roster adjustments are common during the World Baseball Classic, especially when MLB teams manage pitchers’ workloads during Spring Training. Some players return to their clubs, while others are added to keep the pitching staff balanced for the next stage of the tournament.

What the changes mean for the quarterfinal vs Canada

With the tournament now entering a win-or-go-home format, Team USA will rely on its revamped bullpen to face Canada’s lineup. The new pitchers are expected to handle key situations and provide flexibility in late-inning scenarios. As the stakes increase, managing innings and matchups will be critical for Team USA as it looks to advance to the WBC semifinals.

Among the most anticipated games of the round is Team USA vs. Canada, a North American clash that will headline the quarterfinal schedule. The United States advanced after a competitive group stage and now faces a familiar rival.

With single-elimination baseball ahead, every pitch will carry enormous weight. The quarterfinals will determine which teams move one step closer to the championship game, setting up a high-pressure finish to the 2026 edition.

2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals schedule

The knockout stage begins on March 13 and March 14, with four games deciding the semifinalists. Two games will be played in Houston before the tournament shifts entirely to Miami for the rest of the competition.

Friday, March 13 – Houston (Daikin Park)

• South Korea vs. Dominican Republic — 6:30 p.m. ET
• United States vs. Canada — 8:00 p.m. ET

Saturday, March 14 – Miami (LoanDepot Park)

• Puerto Rico vs. Italy — 3:00 p.m. ET
• Japan vs. Venezuela — 8:00 p.m. ET

The semifinals and championship will then be played at LoanDepot Park in Miami, where the 2026 World Baseball Classic champion will be crowned after nearly two weeks of international competition.

2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals bracket

With pool play officially completed, the 2026 World Baseball Classic has narrowed the field to eight national teams that will compete in the single-elimination knockout stage.

The top two teams from each of the four groups advanced, setting up a bracket that will be played across Houston and Miami before the semifinals and championship game.

The quarterfinal matchups are now locked in and will determine which four teams move on to the semifinals. Houston will host the games involving teams from Pools A and B, while Miami will stage the other two quarterfinals.

Canada surprised many by finishing first in Pool A with a 3-1 record. That performance exceeded expectations securing the top spot over Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia and Panama.

With the quarterfinal matchup set, all eyes are on the upcoming clash between Team USA and Canada. After the 2026 Winter Olympics with hockey, baseball brings another chapter in the sports rivalry.

When will Team USA vs Team Canada be played in 2026 World Baseball Classic?

Team USA will face Team Canada next Friday, March 13, at 8:00 PM ET at Daikin Park in Houston. Even as second place of Pool B, Aaron Judge’s team will be a huge favorite to advance.

Can Team USA win the 2026 World Baseball Classic?

Yes. Team USA can win the 2026 World Baseball Classic as Italy’s result gives the Americans a second chance to fight for the title. Three more victories to lift the trophy.

[Watch Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20 live in the USA on Fubo]

The group stage reaches its boiling point as teams fight to punch their tickets to the knockout rounds. After a stunning 14-0 blowout of the Virgin Islands, a high-octane Canada U20 squad looks to carry that offensive fire into its finale.

They face a Nicaragua U20 side seeking redemption and consistency following a 2-0 shutout loss to Aruba. With qualification on the line, both programs are desperate to close the opening round with a statement win.

When will the Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20 match be played?

Canada U20 face Nicaragua U20 in the Matchday 5 of the 2026 CONCACAF U20 Championship this Wednesday, March 4, with kickoff set for 8:00 PM (ET).

Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:00 PM
CT: 7:00 PM
MT: 6:00 PM
PT: 5:00 PM

How to watch Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20 in the USA

Catch this 2026 CONCACAF U20 Championship clash between Canada U20 and Nicaragua U20 live in the United States on Fubo. Other options: Fox Sports 2, FOX One.

[Watch USA vs Canada in the US on Peacock]

Matchday 2 of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup brings a heavyweight showdown as the only two teams that opened the tournament with wins collide. Host United States, the clear favorite to lift the trophy, looks to build on its strong start and tighten its grip on the title race.

But Canada arrives with plenty of momentum after a dominant 4-1 victory over Colombia, positioning itself as a legitimate contender and setting the stage for a clash that could ultimately decide the tournament.

When will the USA vs Canada match be played?

USA take on Canada in the Matchday 2 of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup this Wednesday, March 4, with kickoff scheduled for 6:45 PM (ET).

USA vs Canada: Time by State in the USA

ET: 6:45 PM
CT: 5:45 PM
MT: 4:45 PM
PT: 3:45 PM

How to watch USA vs Canada in the USA

Don’t miss a single minute of this 2026 SheBelieves Cup clash between USA and Canada live in the United States on Peacock. Other options: Telemundo, UNIVERSO, TNT USA, Watch TNT, truTV USA, HBO Max and Westwood One Sports.

Despite the bitter disappointment of losing the chance to win a gold medal for his country, the star thanked all the fans for their great support. “My first Olympics in Milan was a special experience. Thank you, Canada, for your incredible support throughout this ride.”

In the final, Team Canada did not have Sidney Crosby after the captain suffered a lower body injury in the quarterfinals against Czechia. Although Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mitch Marner led a remarkable dominance over Team USA, they were unable to convert their scoring chances.

Has Connor McDavid won a gold medal at the Olympics with Canada?

No. Connor McDavid has not won a gold medal at the Olympics with Team Canada. In fact, the 2026 edition was his first experience in this international tournament, as NHL players had only just been given permission to participate again.

After returning with the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL, McDavid admitted it is a very tough loss to process, but he gave full credit to Team USA, especially goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

“I thought we played well. I thought we did enough to win. Their goalie made some big saves. I thought we also missed some chances. It’s disappointing. No way to sugar coat it. It sucks, but, overall, the experience was good. It was a great group of guys to be around honestly. It was a special group to be a part of. We’ll have those memories for a lifetime.”

“It’s a nice question. Thank you. It’s disappointing. No way around it. We could be sitting here having a totally different conversation if things had gone a little bit differently. So, yeah, it’s hard. It’s hard to win at any level, especially when we’re talking about the best of the very best in the NHL and the Olympics. Margins are very small. We obviously saw that and we felt the effects of that here in Edmonton from time to time.”

The answer reflected both frustration and perspective. McDavid did not deflect, nor did he hide from the comparison to legends such as Sidney Crosby and Gretzky. Instead, he acknowledged the razor-thin margins that define championships at the highest level, whether in the NHL or on the Olympic stage. For a player widely considered the best in the world, the absence of a title has become an increasingly loud talking point.

Connor McDavid faces a tough moment after the 2026 Olympics

Inexplicably, some critics have intensified their scrutiny. Connor McDavid has now lost consecutive Stanley Cup Finals with the Edmonton Oilers against the Florida Panthers, and the Olympic defeat only adds to the narrative. The fact that Canada fell short with Crosby sidelined due to injury fueled even more debate, as McDavid became the captain and couldn’t deliver a gold medal.

However, McDavid’s accolades already place him among the elite of his generation, regardless of hardware. The Stanley Cup and Olympic gold remain defining milestones, but they are not the sole measure of impact or brilliance. In the end, it’s a team sport.

His candid response after a very tough question underscored a truth that even legends would recognize: winning at the highest level is brutally difficult. For McDavid, the pursuit continues. And in a sport decided by inches and moments, it may only take one breakthrough to shift the entire conversation. Undoubtedly, he will be Canada’s leader in 2030 with a new generation of players to support him.