The Round of 32 match between South Africa and Canada in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 15:00 ET (12:00 p.m. local time). The South Africa vs Canada match will be held at SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium) in Charlotte, USA. Both teams have advanced to the knockout stage, marking the first time in World Cup history that either nation has reached this phase.
Co-host Canada reached the knockouts by placing second in Group B. Led by manager Jesse Marsch, they have displayed high-tempo, lethal attacking play, heavily highlighted by their 6-0 demolition of Qatar. However, they dropped their group finale 2-1 to Switzerland, raising defensive questions.
Nicknamed Bafana Bafana, South Africa staged a resilient comeback in Group A. After an initial 2-0 defeat to Mexico, they steadied themselves with a draw against Czechia and captured a dramatic 1-0 win over South Korea to advance.
2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 South Africa vs Canada
| South Africa vs Canada World Cup 2026 Round of 32 | |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. local time). |
| Venue | Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium), Inglewood, California, USA. |
| Broadcast | FOX (USA), SuperSport (South Africa), and TSN/CTV (Canada) |
South Africa – Match Overview
- South Africa is making its debut appearance in the FIFA World Cup knockout phase.
- They finished second in Group A with 4 points.
- Results: Lost 2–0 to Mexico, drew 1–1 with Czechia, and defeated South Korea 1–0.
- Against South Korea, Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive winning goal, and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made critical saves to guarantee progress.
- South Africa welcomes back midfield anchor Teboho Mokoena from a yellow-card suspension. Veteran forward Themba Zwane remains completely out due to a multi-match ban.
- South Africa: D-D-L-D-W (Last five games, latest result last)
Canada – Match Overview:
- Co-host Canada is also appearing in the World Cup Round of 32 for the first time in history.
- They finished second in Group B behind Switzerland with 4 points
- Results: Drew 1–1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, beat Qatar 6–0, and lost 2–1 to Switzerland.
- Jonathan David scored a spectacular hat-trick against Qatar, while Alphonso Davies is confirmed to return to the squad for the single-elimination phase.
- Coach Jesse Marsch acknowledged South Africa’s intense team togetherness but expects a fast and aggressive victory.
- Midfielder Ismaël Koné is officially out for the tournament, while Stephen Eustáquio faces a late fitness check.
- Canada: W-D-D-W-L (Last five games, latest result first)
South Africa vs Canada 2026 FIFA World Cup Starting XI
South Africa Possible Starting XI Prediction vs Canada
- Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
- Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba
- Midfielders: Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis
- Forwards: Evidence Makgopa
- Injured / Suspended: Themba Zwane (Red-card suspended).
Canada Possible Starting XI Prediction vs South Africa
- Goalkeeper: Maxime Crépeau
- Defenders: Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea
- Midfielders: Tajon Buchanan, Nathan Saliba, Mathieu Choinière, Ali Ahmed
- Forwards: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin
- Injured: Ismaël Koné (Fractured), Alphonso Davies and Stephen Eustáquio (Knocks/Hamstring issues).
Head-to-head
They have met previously only once, with South Africa winning 2-0 in a friendly in 2007.
Key Players to Watch
South Africa – Key Players to Watch
- Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams — The captain and elite shot-stopper who carries the massive responsibility of denying Canada’s heavy attacking pressure.
- Defenders: Khuliso Mudau — A rapid right-back capable of neutralizing dangerous wingers and immediately initiating quick transition play.
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena — Returning freshly from suspension, his elite ball retention and dangerous long-range shooting anchor the team.
- Forwards: Thapelo Maseko — The winger who scored the decisive winner against South Korea, vital for exploiting Canada’s high-pressing line.
Canada – Key Players to Watch
- Goalkeeper: Maxime Crépeau — The experienced MLS keeper who must remain highly alert against South Africa’s sudden counter-attacking bursts.
- Defenders: Alistair Johnston — A physical Celtic right-back who provides strict defensive coverage while consistently overlapping to cross.
- Midfielders: Tajon Buchanan — The dynamic Inter Milan winger who takes on the primary creative mantle amidst ongoing squad fitness issues.
- Forwards: Jonathan David — The lethal in-form striker who recently netted a spectacular tournament hat-trick against Qatar.
How to watch the 2026 World Cup round of 32 South Africa vs Canada match?
You can watch the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match between South Africa and Canada live on FOX (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) in the United States today, Sunday, June 28, 2026, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. local PT).
International Broadcast Channels
- Canada: TSN and CTV.
- South Africa: SuperSport.
- United Kingdom: ITV1 (streaming via ITVX).
- Australia: SBS.
