Canada have maintained an underdog mentality in international football for decades. Now they are finally out of the group stage at a World Cup. For their first ever knockout game, they take on another side that fancies an upset, South Africa, the comeback kids of this tournament. We offer team news and predicted lineups for Sunday’s Round of 32 opener.
Read More: 2026 World Cup Round of 32 Predictions Including Netherlands vs Morocco
Canada vs South Africa
Date: Sunday, June 28th 2026
Venue: Sofi Stadium, Los Angeles
Kick Off: 12:00 local time in Los Angeles
Referee: João Pedro Silva Pinheiro
Current Odds: Canada 1.75, Draw (after 90 minutes) 3.5, South Africa 4.75
Canada Team News
Canada lost an opportunity to continue to have home games at the 2026 World Cup when they fell to Switzerland in a competitive matchday 3 contest. Regardless the goal for this tournament was to exit their group, and Canada did so with a 1-1-1 record that was highlighted by a stunning 6-0 rout of Qatar. Forward Tani Oluwaseyi told the media regarding Canada’s inconsistencies this tournament: “I think it’s just being wary of how sometimes we can start a game, trying to be more like we were against Qatar and less like we were against Switzerland,”
Canada has proven effective at creating xG this tournament, even if the goals haven’t always flowed. Facing a defensively minded opponent who would be happy to play for penalty kicks, the goal for Canada will be to get on the scoreboard early.
Regarding the XI, expect Stephen Eustaquio to overcome a muscle twinge and return to a starting midfield role. Alphonso Davies still hasn’t played, and likely won’t start, rather he could see minutes off the bench.
Cyle Larin and Jonathan David still share the goalscoring responsibilities. Canada’s midfield is a bit of a weakspot at this point in the tournament, while Derek Cornelius and Luc De Fougerolles remain the preferred CBs, with Moise Bombito inconsistent with fitness.
South Africa Team News
South Africa have only scored twice in three games, but 4 points, the same record as Canada, got them into the last 32 from Group A, their best ever World Cup result. Against Mexico they lined up far too defensively and suffered greatly, against Czechia and South Korea they took a more positive mindset and it paid off, though they were able to defensively stifle both teams.
Teboho Mokoena will return from suspension for this game, replacing Yaya Sithole in the midfield. The veteran manager Hugo Broos has taken a defiant tone this tournament, telling media “There was a a lot of criticism from current and former coaches and players and some supporters. They must know that I do things my way.”
South Africa’s way is to try to keep this is a low scoring game and trust goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Read More: Perfection From Mexico and Other Lessons From World Cup Groups A-C
Canada Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
GK; Maxime Crepeau
Defenders: Alistair Johnston, Luc De Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea
Midfield: Tajon Buchanan, Nathan Saliba, Stephen Eustaquio, Ali Ahmed
Forwards: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin
South Africa Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
GK: Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba
Midfield: Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
