South Africa v Canada LIVE: Co-hosts kick start knockout rounds with clash against Bafana Bafana

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The Independent

·28 Juni 2026

South Africa v Canada LIVE: Co-hosts kick start knockout rounds with clash against Bafana Bafana

Canada take on South Africa in the first knockout game of the World Cup 2026 with the two teams clashing in Los Angeles this evening.

Canada finished Group B in second place, having thrashed Qatar 6-0 in between a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a loss to Switzerland in their final group game.

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Jesse Marsch’s men now take on Bafana Bafana who finished as runners-up in Group A. South Africa began the tournament slowly with a loss to Mexico but have steadily improved after a draw with Czech Republic and a crucial win over South Korea which sent them throught.

This contest seems like a decent match up on paper with both teams believing they have the abilities to beat the other and reach the next round. Whoever proves triumphant will go on to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the last-16.

It was hard to watch

Davies also spoke about what it was like to sit on the sidelines for the group stage.

"It was painful [not to play in the group stage]. The only thing you want to do is play football, it's what I'm really passionate about,” he said.

“The first game watching it, I was really eager to get on the pitch. The second game more so and the third game I went to [Jesse Marsch] before the game and asked him if I could play a couple of minutes. He could have said, 'Yes, we'll throw you in there.'

“But he cares about the team as human beings and explained that I had not gone through my progressions to get back on the pitch. It was hard to hear.... and watch those three games."

(Getty)

Mike Jones28 June 2026 18:06

Co-hosts Canada seek to make more World Cup history

World Cup co-hosts Canada are hoping to write a new chapter in their history books when they travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa in the last 32.

Jesse Marsch’s men had hoped to be playing Canada’s first-ever World Cup knockout match at home in Vancouver, but that dream was dashed after they were defeated by Switzerland in their final group game, finishing runners-up in Group B.

It may finally be time for a first World Cup appearance from Canada’s captain, Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, who has been recovering from a hamstring issue and was on the bench as a “decoy”, according to his boss, for that loss to Switzerland.

Mike Jones28 June 2026 17:48

South Africa v Canada predicted line-ups

Predicted South Africa XI: Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Masekom, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.

Predicted Canada XI: Crepau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius Laryeal Buchanan, Saliba, Choiniere, Ahmed; David, Larin.

Mike Jones28 June 2026 17:36

Team news for South Africa

For South Africa, there’s a boost in the form of Teboho Mokoena’s return, after he served his one-game ban, but his midfield colleague Themba Zwane remains absent.

Mike Jones28 June 2026 17:30

Canada's early team news

There’s good and bad news for Canada.

On a positive note, their star defender Alphonso Davies may be fit for his first minutes of the tournament, but on a negative note, Ismael Kone is out of action due to his fractured tibia, and Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones are doubts.