The first knockout game of the 2026 World Cup has arrived, as co-hosts Canada take on South Africa.
Canada emerged from Group B in second place, thrashing Qatar 6-0 in between a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a loss to Switzerland.
Next, Jesse Marsch’s men play South Africa, who finished as runners-up in Group A. In their opener, they lost to another co-host in Mexico, before a draw with Czech Republic and a crucial win over South Korea.
Canada’s defeat by Switzerland cost them the chance to play their round-of-32 game on home soil, so they will instead travel to Los Angeles for this clash with South Africa.
Here’s all you need to know about the round-of-32 match:
When is South Africa v Canada?
The fixture will take place at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday 28 June at 8pm BST (12pm PT / 2pm CT / 3pm ET).
How can I watch it?
In the UK, the game will air live on ITV1 and ITV X. In the US, it will air live on Fox Sports.
Who will the winner face?
A tough test will await the winners, as they will take on either Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday 4 July.
Team news
There’s good and bad news for Canada. On a positive note, their star defender Alphonso Davies may be fit for his first minutes of the tournament, but on a negative note, Ismael Kone is out of action due to his fractured tibia, and Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones are doubts.
For South Africa, there’s a boost in the form of Teboho Mokoena’s return, after he served his one-game ban, but his midfield colleague Themba Zwane remains absent.
Predicted line-ups
South Africa XI: Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Masekom, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.
Canada XI: Crepau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius Laryeal Buchanan, Saliba, Choiniere, Ahmed; David, Larin.
