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Rabat – South Africa face co-hosts Canada today at Los Angeles Stadium in the first knockout match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Both teams are competing in a World Cup knockout game for the first time. South Africa qualified as Group A runners-up with four points, while Canada finished second in Group B.
The winner will advance to the round of 16, where they will face either Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on July 4. If the match remains level after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties will decide who advances.
Match details:
Fixture: South Africa vs Canada
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood
Date: Sunday, June 28
Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. Morocco time / 7:00 p.m. GMT
How to watch: beIN Sports in MENA; FOX Sports in the USA; CTV, TSN and RDS in Canada; BBC/ITV coverage in the UK
South Africa team news
Injuries/Suspensions: South Africa remain without veteran playmaker Themba Zwane, who will serve the final match of his three-game suspension following his red card against Mexico.
Returns/Doubts: Teboho Mokoena returns after suspension and is expected to regain his place in midfield. His passing, set-piece quality and experience will give Hugo Broos an important boost.
Recent Form: South Africa recovered strongly after losing their opening match 2–0 to Mexico. They earned a draw against Czechia before beating South Korea 1–0 to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.
Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal against South Korea, while captain Ronwen Williams helped preserve the clean sheet.
Key Players: Williams could be crucial if the match reaches penalties. The South African captain has an excellent shootout record and famously saved four penalties in one match at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mokoena will control the midfield, while Maseko, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng can threaten Canada with their speed.
Likely XI: Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.
Canada team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Canada are without Ismaël Koné, who suffered a serious leg injury against Qatar. Stephen Eustáquio has also been dealing with muscle fatigue and remains a fitness concern.
Returns/Doubts: Captain Alphonso Davies is ready to make his first appearance of the tournament after missing all three group matches. Defender Moïse Bombito is also expected to return.
Recent Form: Canada opened with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before recording their first World Cup victory with a dominant 6–0 win over Qatar.
However, Jesse Marsch’s team lost their final group game against Switzerland and finished second. They will now play away from the Canadian crowds that supported them during the group stage.
Key Players: Jonathan David is Canada’s main scoring threat, while Cyle Larin provides strength inside the penalty area. Davies can transform the team with his speed, direct running and ability to attack from the left.
Likely XI: Crépeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Eustáquio, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Larin.
What to expect
Canada are slight favorites because of their attacking quality and experience in major European leagues. Marsch’s side will press high and try to force South Africa into mistakes.
South Africa will remain compact before attacking quickly through Maseko, Appollis and Mofokeng. Broos’ team showed against South Korea that they can create dangerous chances without controlling possession.
The first goal could decide the match. Canada will want to attack early, while South Africa may become increasingly confident if they keep the game level.
Safe bets
Under 3.5 Goals: Knockout matches are usually cautious, especially when both teams are entering unfamiliar territory.
Canada to Win or Draw: The co-hosts have greater squad depth, but South Africa are difficult to break down.
Jonathan David to Score or Assist: David remains central to Canada’s attacking threat.
Prediction: South Africa 1-2 Canada.
