Canada Set for Historic World Cup Knockout Clash Against South Africa | OneFootball

History will be made on Sunday as Canada and South Africa face off in Los Angeles. It’s the first-ever Round of 32 match at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s also the first ever trip to a World Cup knock out round for both nations, knowing that a win pushes them even further into new heights..

Canada’s Path

Canada advanced from Group B after an impressive campaign that started with a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Veteran Cyle Larin came off the bench to score the equalizer in the 80th minute. They followed that with a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar, which saw three different players get goals. Their one stumble came in a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group match.

Jesse Marsch’s side finished second, losing out on playing this game in Vancouver before a home crowd. But Maple Leafs showed throughout the tournament that they possess the attacking quality to trouble any opponent.

Jonathan David has been Canada’s standout performer, leading the line with clinical finishing and carrying the team’s offensive threat. He also earned Canada’s first ever World Cup hat-trick in the Qatar tie, and the first by any CONCACAF player since 1930.

South Africa’s Path

Let’s be honest, almost nobody expected South Africa to make the knockouts. They opened the tournament facing co-hosts Mexico (somewhat ironic, given Mexico was their opposition in the 2010 World Cup they hosted). They fell 2-0, the match notable for having more red cards (3) than goals, two of them for South Africa.

But Bafana Bafana’s path to the knockout stage has been built on resilience. They regrouped with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia, this time getting a late equalizer from a Teboho Mokoena penalty. They were major underdogs heading into their final match against South Korea, but defended stoutly and emerged triumphant (and also sealing qualification) with a crucial 1-0 win from Thapelo Maseko.

Hugo Broos’ squad has relied on disciplined defending and timely goals to earn the country’s first-ever appearance in the men’s World Cup knockout stage.

How it Should Play

The matchup promises an intriguing tactical battle. Canada will look to dictate possession and attack with pace through Jonathan David. South Africa is expected to stay compact defensively and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities.

There are also key selection questions for both sides. Canada continues to monitor the fitness of captain Alphonso Davies. He has yet to take the pitch but surely will appear if he’s deemed fit. All South African players are also eligible, including hero Teboho Mokoena who was suspended against South Korea for yellow card accumulation.

For both nations, Sunday’s encounter is more than just another World Cup fixture. It represents an opportunity to write a new chapter in their football history. The winner will advance to the Round of 16, while the loser sees a memorable tournament run come to an end.

Match Details

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00pm ET / noon PT Sunday, June 28th at SoFi Inglewood Stadium in Los Angeles. It may not be Vancouver, but thousands of Canadian supporters are expected to create a home-like atmosphere for the co-host nation.