World Cup 2026: Canada vs South Africa Round of 32 Preview
Short overview
Co-hosts Canada face South Africa in the World Cup Round of 32 on June 28 in Los Angeles. Both nations are playing their first-ever knockout match in the tournament, with a Round of 16 spot against the winner of another match on the line.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 kicks off with a historic clash between co-hosts Canada and South Africa at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, June 28. Both nations are contesting their first-ever World Cup knockout match, adding significant weight to the encounter.
Match Details
The match is scheduled for 12:00 local time (Los Angeles), 15:00 (Ottawa), and 21:00 (Pretoria). The winner will advance to a Round of 16 match in Houston on July 4.
Team Form and Group Stage Performance
Canada
Jesse Marsch's side finished second in Group B behind Switzerland. Their campaign included a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a 6-0 victory over Qatar, and a loss to Switzerland in the final group game.
South Africa
Bafana Bafana also finished second in Group A, recovering from an opening defeat by Mexico. They drew with Czechia, beat Korea Republic, and completed a dramatic turnaround to secure their knockout berth.
Head-to-Head Record
The two nations have met only once previously in international football: a 2-0 South Africa friendly victory in 2007. This will be their first competitive encounter and first FIFA World Cup meeting.
Predicted Lineups
South Africa: Williams; Modiba, Mbokazi, Mudau, Okon; Mbatha, Sithole; Appollis, Moremi, Mofokeng; Maseko
Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Choiniere, Saliba, Ali Ahmed; Buchanan, David, Larin
How to Watch and Follow
For broadcast information specific to your location, visit the FIFA World Cup scores and fixtures page, which lists all available broadcasters. Fans can also follow live action via the FIFA Match Centre, offering team news, live blogs, and in-depth statistics for every fixture.
Tickets and Hospitality
Details on available tickets and hospitality packages for this match and all World Cup games can be found on the official FIFA tickets and hospitality page.
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium
Los Angeles Stadium, the newest venue for World Cup 2026, opened in September 2020. It is located about a 30-minute drive from Pasadena's Rose Bowl, which hosted the 1994 World Cup final. The stadium is home to the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, and hosted Super Bowl LVI in 2022, where the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. It has also hosted major concerts by artists including Taylor Swift, BTS, and Ed Sheeran.
More on these topics
Mexico Qualify for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
Mexico secured their place in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament Los Angeles 2028 after a 2-1 comeback win over Canada in the Concacaf U-20 Championship semi-finals at Estadio Azteca.
Women's Africa Cup of Nations Quarter-Finals Preview
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals begin Saturday, with winners securing spots at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027. Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Algeria, Malawi, and Ghana compete for semi-final berths and World Cup qualification.
Diego Forlan appointed Uruguay head coach
Diego Forlan has been named Uruguay's new head coach, succeeding Marcelo Bielsa after a disappointing World Cup 2026 campaign. The 47-year-old will also lead the U-20 side, aiming to guide La Celeste to Copa America 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.
Corinthians' Breno Bidon Aims for Brazil Call-Up
Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon, 21, is targeting a first Brazil cap under Carlo Ancelotti. With nearly 140 club appearances and a standout 2025, he hopes to impress in the Copa Libertadores and earn a spot in the Seleção's rebuild.
