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South Africa vs Canada: World Cup Round of 32 match preview and key stats
28th June, 2026 12:06 PM
The opening knockout match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see South Africa face co-hosts Canada at SoFi Stadium, California, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with both nations chasing a historic place in the Round of 16 after reaching the tournament’s knockout phase for the first time.
Match preview
South Africa have already enjoyed a memorable World Cup campaign by advancing beyond the group stage for the first time in their history. After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening fixture, Bafana Bafana recovered well, earning a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic before securing a vital 1-0 victory over South Korea to finish second in Group A.
Collecting four points from three matches was enough for Hugo Broos’ men to edge South Korea by a single point and seal progression into the last 32. They now face another major challenge against tournament co-hosts Canada.
The two countries have met only once before, when South Africa claimed a 2-0 victory in a friendly in November 2007. Sunday’s encounter will therefore mark their first-ever competitive meeting.
Whoever comes out on top will advance to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16, with a possible quarter-final showdown against one of the tournament favourites, France or Germany, awaiting thereafter.
Canada have also broken new ground by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. Jesse Marsch’s side finished second in Group B after losing 2-1 to Switzerland in their final group fixture.
A victory over Switzerland would have handed Canada top spot in the group, a potentially easier knockout route and home advantage in the Round of 32. Instead, they had to settle for second place despite an impressive 6-0 demolition of Qatar earlier in the competition.
The Canadians began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before producing their emphatic victory over Qatar, finishing with four points from three matches.
Although Canada enter the contest as slight favourites, they will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing display against Switzerland. Sunday’s fixture will also make history, as Canada become the first World Cup host nation to play a tournament match outside their own territory, with the game taking place in the United States.
Recent form
South Africa (World Cup): L-D-W
South Africa (All Competitions): L-D-D-L-D-W
Canada (World Cup): D-W-L
Canada (All Competitions): D-W-D-D-W-L
Team news
South Africa receive a timely boost with midfielder Teboho Mokoena returning after serving a one-match suspension during the victory over South Korea.
However, experienced attacker Themba Zwane remains unavailable as he continues to serve his suspension following the red card he received against Mexico in the opening group match.
Broos is expected to make only one alteration to his starting XI, with Mokoena likely replacing Yaya Sithole. Evidence Makgopa is expected to retain his place as the team’s central striker.
Canada, meanwhile, have injury concerns. Ismael Kone has been ruled out after suffering a fractured tibia against Qatar. Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones are also fitness doubts and will undergo late assessments before kickoff.
Star full-back Alphonso Davies has yet to feature at the tournament because of a hamstring problem, but reports suggest the Bayern Munich defender could return as a substitute.
Jonathan David and Cyle Larin are expected to continue leading Canada’s attack, while Tajon Buchanan should once again occupy a wide attacking role.
Predicted line-ups
South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.
Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Larin.
