South Africa vs Canada: World Cup 2026 Round of 32 preview
South Africa and Canada, both making their knockout stage debuts, will face off in the first round-of-32 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 28 in Los Angeles.
The opening match of the World Cup 2026 round of 32 sees South Africa take on co-host Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, June 28 at 12pm local time (19:00 GMT). Both teams are appearing in the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time, ensuring history will be made.
South Africa reached the knockout stage by finishing second in Group A. They lost their opening match against Mexico (2-0), then drew with Czechia (1-1) thanks to a Thapelo Maseko penalty. A 1-0 victory over South Korea, again with Maseko scoring, secured their progression.
Canada also finished second in their group. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Cyle Larin equalizing just 121 seconds after coming on as a substitute. A dominant 6-0 win over Qatar, featuring a hat-trick from Jonathan David, earned them a spot in the last 32, despite a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in the final group game.
Form guides show Canada had a 10-match unbeaten run before losing to Switzerland, while South Africa had gone seven games without a win prior to beating South Korea.
According to Opta’s supercomputer, Canada has a 66% chance of reaching the last 16, but only a 2% chance of making the final. South Africa’s chance of reaching the semifinals is just over 1%. The winner will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the next round.
South Africa will welcome back Teboho Mokoena from suspension, but Themba Zwane remains banned. Canada will be without Ismael Kone due to a fractured tibia, while Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones are fitness doubts. Alphonso Davies could return to the bench after a hamstring injury.
