FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in South Africa v Canada 🇿🇦🇨🇦

In partnership with

OneFootball

Alex Mott·28 juin 2026

FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in South Africa v Canada 🇿🇦🇨🇦

Los Angeles Stadium hosts a historic FIFA World Cup 26™ Round of 32 clash on Sunday as South Africa take on Canada.

Here is everything you need to look out for in this first knockout encounter.

Vidéos OneFootball

Who is playing today? 👀

Afrique du Sud

Canada

15:00

These two nations have already made history by reaching the FIFA World Cup 26™ knockout rounds.

South Africa secured their place in the Round of 32 for the first time ever after finishing second in Group A. Hugo Broos' side recovered from an opening defeat to Mexico by drawing with Czechia before defeating Korea Republic 1-0 thanks to Thapelo Maseko's second-half winner. The result ensured Bafana Bafana progressed automatically alongside group winners Mexico.

Canada have also enjoyed a landmark tournament. Jesse Marsch's side opened with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before recording their first-ever FIFA World Cup™ finals victory with a stunning 6-0 win over Qatar. A narrow 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group game was not enough to prevent the co-hosts from finishing second in Group B and reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

With both nations chasing a first-ever appearance in the Round of 16, there is plenty at stake in Los Angeles.

Players to watch 🔥

Jonathan David remains Canada's biggest attacking threat.

The striker has been a key figure throughout Canada's impressive campaign and earned himself an Attacking Score of 7.4 in the FIFA Power Rankings - powered by Aramco during their win against Qatar.

Alongside him, Alphonso Davies provides pace, creativity and experience. The Bayern Munich star hasn't been fit enough to play yet but should be in line to return in this clash.

For South Africa, Thapelo Maseko arrives full of confidence after scoring the goal that secured qualification against Korea Republic. He earned an Attacking Score of 9.2 in that crucial victory.

Relebohile Mofokeng has also been influential in midfield, helping provide the defensive discipline that has underpinned South Africa's success.

Must-watch video 🎥

South Africans jubilate early in the Morning, after Bafana Bafana defeated South Korea 1-0 to qualify for the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
– jeudi 25 juin 2026

It was early morning back home in South Africa but Bafana Bafana fans didn't care.

Fun facts 📊

This is just the second meeting between these two countries, with South Africa winning the last match 2-0 back in 2007.
Canada have lost both of their competitive meeting with African nations, including 2-1 to Morocco in the 2022 World Cup™.
Both South Africa and Canada are playing in the knockout rounds of the World Cup™ for the first time. It's the first time two teams are facing each other in their first such match since Türkiye beat Japan 1-0 in 2002.