South Africa and Canada ready for historic first knockout tie at 2026 World Cup

South Africa and Canada will make their debut in the knockout phase of a FIFA World Cup when they meet on Sunday evening at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to begin the round of 32. The match kicks off at 21:00 local time (Europa Press) with a place against either the Netherlands or Morocco on the line.

South Africa's resurgent campaign

After a 0-2 opening loss to Mexico, Hugo Broos's side steadied with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic and a crucial 1-0 victory over South Korea to finish second in Group A. The turnaround coincided with the return of suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who scored a late penalty to level against the Czechs, and the emergence of young attackers Thapelo Maseko and Relebohile Mofokeng.

The squad draws heavily from Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning African Champions League winners and Club World Cup participant, owned by CAF president Patrice Motsepe and often called "Africa's PSG" for its financial power. Eight Sundowns players are in the national team, bringing a shared tactical identity of possession and high pressing. Coach Broos said,

They play at another level. They are used to very important matches, under pressure, and having a significant number of them here helps us in every training session to maintain the intensity and mentality.

Canada's balanced threat

The host nation finished second in Group B behind Switzerland after a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar, and a 1-2 loss to the Swiss. Jesse Marsch's team has been one of the most intense sides of the tournament, relying on quick transitions and the prolific form of Jonathan David, who has four goals in three matches.

An injury blow rules out Ismaël Koné (fractured tibia and fibula), with Mathieu Choinière stepping in. The potential return of Alphonso Davies, who missed the group stage with an injury, remains uncertain after Marsch admitted his earlier comments were a smokescreen. Regardless, the attack of David and Cyle Larin will test South Africa's compact shape.

Historic stakes

Both teams are breaking new ground: South Africa, ranked 60th by FIFA, had not reached a World Cup knockout round in 16 years; Canada becomes the first host nation to play a World Cup match outside its own borders. The winners will travel to Houston to take on the victor of the Netherlands-Morocco tie.

The key duel could be on the flanks. South Africa will look to Mofokeng and Maseko to exploit spaces while Canada's pace on the counter, with possible Davies involvement, could decide the game.