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 BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 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.
