South Africa face Canada in the first Round of 32 match as the knockout stages get underway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa and Canada both qualified for this round as Groups A and B runner-ups respectively.
Team News
Teboho Mokoena is available for South Africa after he was suspended in their 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Themba Zwane is serving the last of his three-match suspension after he was sent off against Mexico in the tournament opener.
Canada manager, Jesse Marsch could recall Stephen Eustaquio after he only made a substitute appearance in their 2-1 loss to Switzerland, owing to a minor muscle injury.
Alphonso Davies (hamstring) is a doubt but Ismael Kone remains ruled out with a leg injury.
When is Kick-Off?
South Africa meet Canada at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, USA, at 12pm PDT (8pm BST) on Sunday 28 June, live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is South Africa’s first World Cup meeting against Canada.
- Canada lost 2-0 in their only previous meeting against South Africa in a friendly in November 2007.
- South Africa’s Thapelo Maseko and Teboho Mokoena have both scored one goal apiece from their single shots on target.
- Canada kept just one clean sheet in the group stage (W2, L1).
Prediction
Having shocked South Korea to qualify as runners-up at the latter’s expense after two lacklustre opening matches, South Africa certainly are a tough team to call because they either will use that clinical win as a launchpad to cause more surprises or slip back into their lacklustre ways.
Canada meanwhile were already qualified when they faced Switzerland but convincingly outplayed in the second half, although I do expect them to knuckle back down now because they do have the quality needed to win this tie if they’re firing on all cylinders.
For me personally, South Africa are a dull watch and lack a sharper edge which is in contrast to Canada who should edge this if they can get the opening goal.
Prediction: South Africa 0-2 Canada
Leave a Reply