Match Overview: South Africa vs Canada in Round of 32
The knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup commence tonight with the first round of 32 fixture as co-hosts Canada take on South Africa. For the first time in the tournament, Canada have left Toronto and will play their first knockout match in California. This means Canada become the first World Cup host to play an away game in the knockout phase.
Both teams are in the knockout stage for the first time in their histories, and both will fancy their chances of advancing to the round of 16. The match is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in California.
How to Watch South Africa vs Canada for Free
In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7.15pm BST ahead of the 8pm kick-off. UK viewers can also stream the match live via the ITVX app or the channel's website. Free highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer and ITVX apps and their websites.
Team News: South Africa
South Africa will be boosted by the return of Teboho Mokoena after he served a one-match suspension. However, Themba Zwane remains unavailable following his red card against Mexico. Mokoena is expected to replace Yaya Sithole in what could be the only change to the lineup, with Evidence Makgopa set to lead the attack once again.
The full South Africa squad includes: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane, and Thapelo Maseko.
Team News: Canada
Canada will be without Ismael Kone after he suffered a tibia fracture against Qatar. Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones face late fitness tests ahead of the match. Alphonso Davies could make his first World Cup appearance from the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury. Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, and Tajon Buchanan are all expected to retain their places in attack.
The full Canada squad includes: Dayne St Clair, Maxime Crepeau, Owen Goodman, Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea, Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman, Luc de Fougerolles, Moise Bombito, Alphonso Davies, Alfie Jones, Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choiniere, Ali Ahmed, Nathan Saliba, Liam Millar, Marcelo Flores, Jacob Shaffelburg, Jonathan Osorio, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi, and Promise David.
Prediction and Head-to-Head
It will be interesting to see how Canada react to playing away from home after a significant travel time. These two teams are very evenly matched, and a narrow victory is expected either way. The prediction is South Africa to win 1-0 after extra time.
Head-to-head history: South Africa wins: 1, Canada wins: 0, Draws: 0.
Match Odds
South Africa to progress: 12/4; Canada to progress: 3/10 (odds via UK betting sites, subject to change). Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.
