History will be made at SoFi Stadium on Sunday regardless of the result — both South Africa and Canada are playing in the knockout stages of a World Cup for the very first time in their histories. Bafana Bafana arrive in Los Angeles as the tournament’s feel-good African story, having pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset of South Korea on Matchday 3. Canada come as the co-host favourites with eight group stage goals, the threat of Jonathan David, and the tantalising possibility of Alphonso Davies making his long-awaited World Cup debut off the bench. A landmark afternoon in Inglewood awaits.
Match Details — South Africa vs Canada
Match: South Africa vs Canada Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 — Round of 32 Date: Sunday, 28 June 2026 Time: 20:00 BST / 3:00 PM ET / 00:30 IST (Monday) / Local: 12:00 PM PT (Los Angeles) Venue: SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium), Inglewood, California
Note: Canada become the first host nation in World Cup history to play a knockout match outside their own borders — forced to travel to the United States after finishing second in Group B behind Switzerland.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Streaming Info
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from 11 June to 19 July 2026, featuring 48 teams across 104 matches.
Live Streaming Info:
Will be live on Bein Sports 5
Live Score Info:
South Africa vs Canada FIFA World Cup 2026: All matches on FlashScore have live scores.
Live Streaming by Region:
United States: FOX carries coverage of this round of 32 fixture. FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app stream live with a cable login. Paid alternatives include Fubo TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.
UK & Ireland: In the UK, live TV coverage is on BBC One, with streaming on a vast range of devices available through the BBC iPlayer app and BBC Sport website.
Australia: SBS On Demand carries all matches completely free with no login required.
Canada: This is Canada’s most important footballing match in history. TSN and CTV carry the full fixture, with CTV offering free-to-air coverage nationally.
Middle East: BeIN Sports carries live regional coverage.
Live Scores: All matches available on FlashScore with real-time updates.
How Both Teams Got Here
South Africa had gone seven games without a win, losing three, before beating South Korea to reach the last 32. They opened their tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, then earned a battling 1-1 draw with Czechia, before sealing their historic qualification with a 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Canada opened with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before a stunning 6-0 rout of Qatar that included a hat-trick for Jonathan David — the first hat-trick by a host nation player since England’s Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966. A 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final Group B game denied Canada top spot.
Key Storylines
Two nations making history together: Sunday’s match will be the first since the 2002 World Cup in which two nations who have made it past the group stage for the first time compete in the knockout phase. Both South Africa and Canada have qualified for the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Whatever the scoreline, football in both nations will never be the same again.
South Africa’s stunning South Korea upset — and Mofokeng’s star turn: Bafana Bafana produced a dogged defensive masterclass, dealing with whatever South Korea threw at them and looking dangerous on the counter-attack throughout. Thapelo Maseko was the match-winner with a 63rd-minute strike. Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng caught the eye with his quick thinking, decision-making, penetrative passing and direct running.
Alphonso Davies — the moment everyone has been waiting for: The Canada manager could welcome back captain and talisman Alphonso Davies for his first taste of World Cup action this summer. The Bayern Munich player has not featured yet as he recovers from a hamstring strain picked up while playing in the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. “He was never going to play today,” Marsch said after the Switzerland match. “I wanted Switzerland to have to think about him.”
Koné’s devastating injury — Canada’s midfield reshaped: Ismaël Koné is out for the tournament after his horrific leg break against Qatar, while his usual midfield partner Stephen Eustáquio is facing a race against time to be passed fit for Sunday’s encounter. Nathan Saliba has stepped brilliantly into the breach. Saliba has been involved in three goals in his two World Cup appearances for Canada so far, having only managed two goals in his first 15 international games.
Zwane suspended — South Africa’s key attacking absence: Themba Zwane serves the final game of a three-match ban after his red card against Mexico — a significant loss of Bafana Bafana’s most experienced attacking option. However, South Africa will welcome Teboho Mokoena back into their side, with the 29-year-old serving a one-game suspension in the clash with South Korea.
Team Analyses
South Africa
Recent performances: South Africa made history by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time ever. After opening their campaign with a defeat to Mexico and a draw against Czechia, they sealed historical qualification after a 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Strengths: Hugo Broos has built a side that defends well as a unit and counters with intent. Full-backs Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba, as well as skipper and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, have started all three games together as a settled defensive unit. South Africa’s last 11 World Cup goals have been scored by 11 different players — so the goal threat is spread across the entire squad.
Weaknesses: South Africa scored only two goals in three Group A matches, one of them a penalty, and their first World Cup knockout game may well end in defeat. South Africa generated just 0.7 big chances per game with only 3.3 shots on target per match during group play. Their attacking output, without Zwane, is limited against a Canada side that has shown it can punish poor finishing.
Key players: Coach Broos leans on the pace of Maseko and Appollis around Evidence Makgopa, with Relebohile Mofokeng providing the spark. Despite playing only 159 of 270 possible minutes, Makgopa had more shots than any other South African player during the group stages. Mokoena’s return is also crucial — he is South Africa’s captain and primary penalty taker.
Expected tactical approach: Hugo Broos’ defensive approach will now face its biggest test, with draws no longer an option in the knockout stage. Making the game cagey and attempting to drag Canada into a penalty shootout will certainly be in the cards. South Africa will look to stay compact, soak up Canada’s pressure and break quickly through the pace of Maseko and Appollis, with Mokoena and Mbatha screening the back four.
Canada
Recent performances: Canada secured a maiden competition win with an emphatic 6-0 demolition of Qatar — the widest margin of victory by a CONCACAF team in World Cup history. Canada enters Sunday’s game as the favourites, with the most goals scored in Group B. However, the 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in the final group game was a reminder of their defensive fragility.
Strengths: Canada is not blessed with world-class talent across the board, but it possesses far more firepower than South Africa. Jonathan David is enjoying an incredible tournament, Cyle Larin has also been among the goals, and service for a blossoming partnership should be forthcoming this weekend. Canada had 21 shots on target in the group stages, almost double the amount they managed in their first two tournament appearances combined.
Weaknesses: Marsch will know Canada can ill-afford to slip up. Canada have also lost both of their competitive meetings with African nations — they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cameroon in the 2001 Confederations Cup before losing 2-1 to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Profligacy in front of goal against organised defences has also been a concern despite the six-goal win over Qatar.
Key players: Jonathan David has scored three goals at this tournament and arrives at the Round of 32 in outstanding individual form. He is Canada’s primary attacking reference point and has shown the composure and movement to score against varied defensive setups. Eustaquio’s control is central to how they break South Africa down, while Davies coming off the bench would be a moment that electrifies the entire tournament.
Expected tactical approach: Canada should name the same XI that was defeated by Switzerland. The David-Larin pairing gives them a cutting edge South Africa will have to respect. Marsch will look to control the ball through Eustaquio and Saliba in midfield, stretch South Africa’s backline with Buchanan and Ahmed on the flanks, and supply David and Larin with the service they need to break Bafana’s resolute defence.
Confirmed Starting Lineups
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Yaya Mbatha; Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis; Evidence Makgopa
Canada (4-4-2): Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Luc De Fougerolles, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustaquio, Nathan Saliba, Ali Ahmed; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin (Alphonso Davies likely on the bench — potential second-half impact)
Tactical Battles That Could Decide the Result
Davies vs South Africa’s right flank: The central contest likely to shape this tie is Alphonso Davies against South Africa’s right flank. Davies carries 58 caps and 15 international goals into this game and is one of the most dangerous attacking full-backs in world football. South Africa’s right side, anchored by Khuliso Mudau, will need to manage Davies’ forward runs while also supporting attacks of their own.
Mofokeng vs Canada’s right side: The 20-year-old Orlando Pirates star has been Bafana Bafana’s most exciting player throughout the tournament. His direct running, quick decision-making, and ability to produce moments of individual quality make him the most likely source of a South African goal — and Canada’s right back Johnston must be alert to his movement from the first whistle.
Mokoena’s return anchors South Africa’s defensive block: The win over South Korea showed South Africa are organised, brave and dangerous on the break, and having Mokoena available again strengthens their spine. His ability to screen the back four and win second balls will be critical if Bafana are to contain Canada’s attacking waves.
Jonathan David vs South Africa’s centre-backs: USA-based defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is only 20 and his central defensive partner Ime Okon is 22. Against a player of David’s movement, finishing, and international pedigree — three World Cup goals already to his name — this inexperienced central defensive pairing faces their sternest test. A mistake here could end the match as a contest very quickly.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides at the World Cup and only the second ever. The only previous game between them saw South Africa run out 2-0 winners in a friendly in Durban in 2007. Concerningly for Marsch, Canada have also lost both of their competitive meetings with African nations — a 2-0 defeat to Cameroon in the 2001 Confederations Cup and a 2-1 loss to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Players to Watch
Jonathan David (Canada): Nathan Saliba has been involved in three goals in two World Cup appearances, but David remains the undisputed star of Canada’s attacking play with three tournament goals to his name. The Juventus striker’s movement, clinical finishing, and ability to turn half-chances into goals makes him the single biggest threat in this match.
Relebohile Mofokeng (South Africa): The Orlando Pirates star caught the eye against South Korea with his quick thinking, decision-making, penetrative passing and direct running. At just 20 years old, he is already one of the most exciting young talents in African football — and a knockout stage stage is exactly where generational moments are made.
Alphonso Davies (Canada — from the bench): Davies has sat out all three group stage games to date and could make his comeback in some capacity on Sunday. When — not if — he enters the field, his speed, crossing ability, and raw star power will completely alter the dynamic of the match and give South Africa’s defence a challenge they have never faced before.
Teboho Mokoena (South Africa): The returning captain and penalty taker is South Africa’s most important midfielder. His composure, leadership, and ability to protect the back four in transition are the foundation on which Bafana’s entire defensive game plan is built. A commanding Mokoena performance gives South Africa a genuine shot at a historic upset.
Team Form, Trends & Stats
Canada have lost only three of their last 27 matches. South Africa have won only two of their last ten internationals, and there were under 2.5 goals in six of their last seven games.
Canada had 21 shots on target in the group stages, almost double the amount they managed in their first two tournament appearances combined. Canada’s attack has shown great promise, and breaking down South Africa’s stern defence is certainly within their capability.
South Africa’s 0.7 big chances per game and 2.61 xG across all three group stage games tells the story of a team built to defend and counter — not to dominate with the ball. Against Canada’s pressing intensity, they will need to be at their very best defensively to stay in this match long enough to threaten on the break.
Hugo Broos will be the oldest head coach to take charge of a World Cup knockout match. At 72 years old, the Belgian tactician has already written his name into South African football history — and one more win would take him into legend.
Prediction
This has the feel of a tight, nervy knockout between two teams in unfamiliar territory. Canada have the better attacking pairing in David and Larin and the midfield control of Eustaquio, and even without Davies their quality should edge it. South Africa’s pace and fearlessness will make it uncomfortable, and a draw that forces extra time is well within range, but Canada should find a way through.
South Africa will defend with everything they have, make Canada work for every inch, and the moment Mofokeng gets the ball in space it will be genuinely dangerous. But Canada’s group stage performances suggest they should be too slick for South Africa, especially with the inspirational Alphonso Davies available after his hamstring injury.
Prediction: Canada 2–0 South Africa — Jonathan David opens the scoring, Davies comes off the bench to seal it with an assist or goal in the final twenty minutes, and Canada’s home World Cup adventure continues into the Round of 16 against the Netherlands or Morocco.