World Cup 2026: South Africa and Canada open knockout stage in Los Angeles
The 2026 World Cup enters the knockout phase as South Africa and Canada meet in Los Angeles, both making their first appearance in the round of 16.
A historic first for both nations
South Africa and Canada will face off in the first round-of-16 match of the 2026 World Cup on Sunday evening in Los Angeles. Neither team has ever reached the knockout stage of a World Cup, making this a landmark encounter for both footballing nations. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal date against either the Netherlands or Morocco.
The road to Los Angeles
South Africa recovered from an opening 2–0 defeat to co-host Mexico to draw 1–1 with Czechia and beat South Korea 1–0, finishing second in their group with four points. Canada also collected four points but were edged into second place in Group B after a 2–1 loss to Switzerland in their final pool match. That result forced Canada to travel from their home venues in Toronto and Vancouver to Los Angeles, losing the strong home support they enjoyed in the group stage.
Home advantage neutralised
Had Canada won their group, they would have remained in Vancouver for the round of 16. Instead, their second-place finish means they must play in California, a neutral venue that dims the home-field edge. The shift in atmosphere is seen as a key factor, with one preview noting that Canada will not have the same backing they received in their earlier matches.
Belgian subplot
South Africa are coached by Belgian Hugo Broos, while Canada forward Promise David plays his club football in Belgium for Union Saint-Gilloise. Both men could feature in a rare Belgian-connected storyline on a World Cup knockout stage that otherwise involves two sides far from the traditional football powerhouses.
What comes next
The match is scheduled for 19:00 GMT (21:00 local time in Los Angeles). The victor will stay in the United States for a quarterfinal showdown against the winner of Netherlands versus Morocco, a match that will later the same day determine another quarterfinalist. With both teams in uncharted territory, the evening promises a fresh chapter in World Cup history.
