Canada face South Africa in a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at SoFi Stadium. Follow live score, team news, Alphonso Davies' return, predictions, line-ups and match updates.
Canada and South Africa are set to make history when they face off in the opening Round of 32 match of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
Regardless of the outcome, one of the two nations will secure its first-ever place in the tournament's last 16, with the historic clash unfolding at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
GET LIVE UPDATES OF THE MATCH, KEY STATS, LINE-UP HEREβ¦Β
Live Updates
22' RSA 0-0 CAN
Canada squander a golden chance. Stephen Eustaquio curls in an inviting free-kick, finding Derek Cornelius completely unmarked inside the box, but the defender's close-range header goes straight into the goalkeeper's arms. A huge opportunity goes begging for the co-hosts.
20' RSA 0-0 CAN
South Africa has enjoyed more of the ball in the opening stages, dominating possession with 65% compared to Canada's 35%. Bafana Bafana have also completed 135 passes at an 87% accuracy, controlling the tempo, while Canada have managed 76 passes with 84% accuracy. Despite seeing less of the ball, the co-hosts have looked the more threatening side going forward, registering two shots to South Africa's one, although only South Africa has tested the goalkeeper with a shot on target.
Brilliant build up plays
Both sides are finding space in midfield, but Canada look the sharper team. Jonathan David is causing problems up front, and his through ball releases Liam Millar into the box. However, South Africa's Mbokazi recovers brilliantly with a perfectly timed tackle to deny a clear chance.
South Africa 0-0 Canada (10')
The co-hosts have settled in well, pressing high and moving the ball confidently to exploit gaps in the South African defence. South Africa are taking a more direct approach, launching long passes forward in search of a rapid breakaway.
High intensity press vs Counter Attack
Canada have made the brighter start, pressing high up the pitch and looking composed in possession. Jesse Marsch's side have already managed a couple of touches inside South Africa's penalty area, while the Bafana Bafana are still searching for a way to play through Canada's aggressive press.
RSA 0-0 CAN
We're underway in this historic Round of 32 clash. Both Canada and South Africa are featuring in their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match, with a place in the last 16 on the line. The opening exchanges have been played at a high tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively from the first whistle.
The wait is over! FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Kicks Off
Confirmed line-ups
Canada
Crepeau (GK); Johnston, Cornelius, Bombito, Laryea; Eustaquio, Millar, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Oluwaseyi, Buchanan
South Africa
R. Williams (GK), Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis, Makgopa
Β
Ismael Kone
Match overview
- Venue: SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium)
- Referee: Joao Pinheiro
- Kick-off time: 12 noon local time, June 28 (12:30 a.m. IST, June 29)
Team News
Jesse Marsch has made four changes to the starting XI. Molse Bombito, Stephen Eustaquio, Tani Oluwaseyi and Liam Millar come into the lineup, replacing Luc De Fougerolles, Cyle Larin, Mathieu Choiniere and Ali Ahmed.
Team News
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has made one change to the starting XI from the side that defeated South Korea. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena comes into the lineup, replacing Thalente Mbatha as Bafana Bafana make a single adjustment for their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash
How South Africa Qualified
South Africa booked their place in the Round of 32 by finishing second in Group A. After opening with a 2-0 loss to Mexico, Bafana Bafana kept their hopes alive with a gritty 1-0 victory over South Korea. Results elsewhere worked in their favour, sending Hugo Broos' side into the knockout stage for the first time in their World Cup history.
How Canada Qualified
Canada reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after finishing second in Group B. Jesse Marsch's side secured qualification with impressive wins before a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group match denied them top spot, forcing the co-hosts to travel to Los Angeles for their knockout fixture. The return of star defender Alphonso Davies is a major boost as Canada chase a historic place in the last 16.
Predicted Line-up | Canada
Crepeau (gk), Johnston, Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea, Buchanan, Choiniere, Saliba, Ahmed, David, Larin
Predicted Line-upΒ | South Africa
R. Williams (gk), Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba, Mbatha, Mokoena, Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis, Makgopa
South Africa vs Canada | Head-to-head record
This is the first-ever meeting between both nations in a FIFA World Cup stage. They have only faced each other once before, in an international friendly in 2007 with South Africa winning the game 2-0.
Match to start at 12:30 AM (IST)
Β CanadaΒ andΒ SouthΒ AfricaΒ will both make World Cup history when they meet in the opening game of the knockout round.
Published: 28 Jun 2026, 11:37 pm IST
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