The first match of the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup will see South Africa face Canada – two teams making their debut in the knockout rounds of football's biggest tournament. The clash kicks off at 7:00 PM GMT on June 28 (12:00 PM local time) at Los Angeles Stadium, USA.
South Africa started the tournament with a 0-2 loss to co-host Mexico. They then held the Czech Republic to a 1-1 draw, thanks to a last-minute penalty by Thapelo Maseko. In their final group game, Maseko scored the only goal to beat South Korea, securing second place in Group A and a spot in the knockout stage.
Canada, also a co-host, began with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jonathan David then scored a hat-trick in a massive 6-0 win over Qatar, sealing Canada's early qualification. Despite a 1-2 loss to Switzerland in their final match, they finished second in their group and advanced.
According to Opta's supercomputer, Canada has a 66% chance of reaching the round of 16, while South Africa's chances stand at 34%. The winner will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the next round, opening the possibility of an all-African derby if Bafana Bafana advance.
Regarding squad news, South Africa welcomes back midfielder Teboho Mokoena after a yellow-card suspension, but Themba Zwane remains banned after receiving a red card in the opening match. South Africa's expected lineup: Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.
Canada is without Ismael Kone due to a shin injury, while Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones are battling fitness issues. The good news is that Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies may return from a hamstring injury. Canada's expected lineup: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Larin.
The two teams have met only once before, in a 2007 friendly, which South Africa won 2-0.
