World Cup Round of 32: Canada faces South Africa
The knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup begin with a clash between Canada and South Africa, with the winner facing Morocco or the Netherlands in the round of 16.
The 2026 World Cup continues with the Round of 32 on Sunday as competing teams look for the world title. Tournament co-organizers Canada and South Africa will play only one match today as there is no tomorrow for the losing team. This match is the main attraction of the 18th day of the World Cup.
South Africa vs Canada
Sunday, June 28 3 pm ET | Englewood, California | Television: Fox
Odds: Canada (-320), South Africa (+250), Tie (+260)
Canada is the only team among the three World Cup co-organizers to play a knockout round match outside its home country. While the US will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco and Mexico will face the third-place team at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Jesse Marsh's team is scheduled to play at the SoFi Stadium in California.
Although Canada is away from home, its team is ready to embrace the opportunity. “We like the away crowd because it gives you that extra motivation to prove something to all the fans that are around you,” forward Tani Oluwaseyi said.
The biggest question for Canada is the status of captain Alphonso Davis. Marsh said the defender would be fit as Davies missed all three group games due to a hamstring injury. “He can have a big impact for us from a physical and footballing point of view, but also from a mental and psychological point of view, having our captain back, having our best player back in our team, is very important,” Marsh said.Canada and South Africa both have 1-1-1 records in group games, with Bafana Bafana securing their round of 32 berth in dramatic fashion with a 1-0 win over South Korea on Wednesday.
Ismael Kone from Canada is out (broken leg) while Stephen Eustaquio is doubtful to play. Moise Bombito will be available. Teboho Mokoena will return from red card suspension for South Africa, but Themba Zwane will be out for another match as he was sent off against Mexico.
The winner of this match will face Morocco or Netherlands on July 4 in Houston.