Canada and South Africa will both attempt to continue their impressive World Cup campaigns when they meet in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both nations seeking another memorable result in the tournament.
South Africa have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after finishing ahead of the Czech Republic and South Korea in Group J. Canada, meanwhile, have also secured a place in the Round of 32 while co-hosting the tournament, adding another milestone to their World Cup journey.
The match offers both sides an opportunity to build on the progress they have already made in the competition. The winner will advance to the next round and keep alive hopes of an extended run in the tournament.
Although Canada are one of the three host nations, they are the only co-host that must play their first knockout match outside their own country. While the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco and Mexico will take on Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Jesse Marsch’s side will travel to SoFi Stadium in California to face South Africa.
Canada’s players have insisted that the venue will not affect their approach. Forward Tani Oluwaseyi said the team welcomes the challenge of playing in front of opposition supporters.
“We enjoy playing in stadiums filled with opposition supporters because it gives us extra motivation to prove ourselves,” he said.
Canada have also received encouraging news regarding captain Alphonso Davies. The defender has missed all three group-stage matches because of a hamstring injury, but head coach Jesse Marsch believes he will be available for the knockout fixture.
Marsch said Davies’ return would provide a significant lift for the squad.
“Having Davies back is important both physically and from a football perspective,” he said. “It will also have a significant psychological impact. Getting our captain and best player back will give the entire squad greater confidence.”
Canada continue to face other selection concerns. Midfielder Ismaël Koné has been ruled out with a broken leg, while Stephen Eustáquio remains a doubt. There is better news for the Canadians, however, as Moïse Bombito is expected to return to the squad.
The two teams reached the knockout stage with identical group-stage records of one win, one draw and one defeat. South Africa sealed qualification by defeating South Korea 1-0 in their final group match, securing a place among the last 32.
South Africa will welcome back midfielder Teboho Mokoena after he completed a suspension. However, they will be without Themba Zwane, who remains suspended for one more match following the red card he received against Mexico.
The winners of the tie will face either Morocco or the Netherlands in the next round. That match is scheduled to take place in Houston on 4 July.
Probable line-ups
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.
Canada (4-4-2): Crépeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Choinière, Ahmed; David, Larin.
Both teams have already achieved notable milestones by reaching the knockout stage of the tournament. Canada will hope the expected return of Davies provides an added boost, while South Africa will seek to build on the confidence gained from their victory over South Korea. With a place in the next round at stake, both sides have the opportunity to continue their impressive World Cup campaigns.
