Sports

World Cup 2026: Round of 32 begins as South Africa face Canada tonight

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 27: South Africa during the International Friendly match between South Africa and Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium on March 27, 2026 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

South Africa and Canada will make history tonight when they meet in the opening Round of 32 fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with both nations chasing a place in the last 16 for the first time.

The knockout clash is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, at SoFi Stadium in California, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.

The winner will progress to the Round of 16, while defeat will bring an immediate end to their World Cup campaign.

Both sides have enjoyed memorable journeys to reach the knockout stage. Canada, one of the tournament’s co-hosts, advanced after finishing second in Group B despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group match.

Their qualification also makes them the first host nation in World Cup history to play a tournament match outside their own borders.

South Africa recovered from an opening defeat to Mexico with an impressive turnaround to qualify from Group A. Bafana Bafana secured second place after producing a disciplined 1-0 victory over South Korea, a result that underlined their defensive organisation and resilience.

The match will also be the first competitive meeting between the two countries.

Their only previous encounter came in an international friendly in Durban in 2007, when South Africa claimed a 2-0 victory.

Canada head into the contest with one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking units under coach Jesse Marsch. Striker Jonathan David has already scored three goals and will once again be expected to lead the line. Captain Alphonso Davies has returned to contention after missing the group stage with a hamstring injury, although he is expected to begin on the bench. Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio faces a late fitness test, while Ismaël Koné has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a leg injury.

South Africa, coached by 74-year-old Hugo Broos, will rely on a solid defensive foundation anchored by captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, whose side has kept consecutive clean sheets. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena returns from suspension to strengthen the squad, while experienced playmaker Themba Zwane remains unavailable as he serves a suspension.