For the first time ever, both Canada and South Africa will compete in a men’s FIFA World Cup knockout match. Their Round of 32 showdown takes place Sunday, June 28 at 3 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This is not just a game—it is a milestone for both nations on their deepest World Cups yet.
Canada advances after finishing second in Group B with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina and a 6-0 win over Qatar.
South Africa qualifies after a surprising 1-0 victory over South Korea, following red-card struggles against Mexico and a draw with Czechia.
The winner moves to the Round of 16; the loser is eliminated from the tournament.
Canada’s Road to the Knockouts
Canada’s journey was dramatic. After earning their first-ever point at a senior men’s World Cup against Bosnia and Herzegovina, they secured their first-ever World Cup win with a dominant 6-0 thrashing of Qatar—highlighted by Jonathan David’s hat-trick. However, a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in their final group match left them as Group B runners-up.
Despite the Switzerland defeat, head coach Jesse Marsch remained upbeat: “We’re going to be in the knockout phase, which is exactly where we wanted to be.” He admitted Canada missed an opportunity to top the group but praised the team’s growing experience in high-pressure games.
One serious injury hit: midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg during the Qatar match and will not return to the tournament.
Alphonso Davies Returns to Action
The biggest boost for Canada is the return of star left-back Alphonso Davies. Marsch confirmed Davies is fit to play for the first time at this World Cup after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in a Champions League semifinal in early May.
Interestingly, Marsch used Davies as a decoy against Switzerland—dressing him and letting opponents worry about him—while never intending to play him. With Davies now back, Canada’s attacking threat on the left flank is transformed.
Key Impact of Davies’ Return
Factor
Before Davies Return
After Davies Return
Left Flank Pressure
Limited
High
Defensive Stability
Moderate
Strong
Counter-Attack Speed
Slower
Faster
Overall Attack Threat
Moderate
Significant
Who Are Bafana Bafana?
South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, qualified in dramatic fashion. After a 2-0 loss to Mexico in which two players received red cards, an early exit seemed inevitable. But they regrouped, drew with Czechia, and then sealed their place with a 1-0 win over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute goal propelled them into their first-ever knockout round.
Canada enters ranked 30th by FIFA; South Africa sits at 60th. On paper, Canada holds the advantage. Yet knockout matches rarely respect rankings.
What This Match Means for Canada
Canada has appeared in only two World Cups: 1986 and 2022. They have never won a knockout match. A victory Sunday would be the most significant result in Canadian men’s soccer history.
Captain Stephen Eustáquio captured the team’s mood after the Switzerland loss: “We’re sad and mad about this result. We’re ready for whatever’s next.”
Whatever’s next is South Africa. The match kicks off Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on TSN and CTV. Don’t miss this historic moment.
Canada’s First Knockout: Why South Africa Match Defines History
Table of Contents
A Historic Round of 32 Clash
For the first time ever, both Canada and South Africa will compete in a men’s FIFA World Cup knockout match. Their Round of 32 showdown takes place Sunday, June 28 at 3 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This is not just a game—it is a milestone for both nations on their deepest World Cups yet.
Canada’s Road to the Knockouts
Canada’s journey was dramatic. After earning their first-ever point at a senior men’s World Cup against Bosnia and Herzegovina, they secured their first-ever World Cup win with a dominant 6-0 thrashing of Qatar—highlighted by Jonathan David’s hat-trick. However, a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in their final group match left them as Group B runners-up.
Despite the Switzerland defeat, head coach Jesse Marsch remained upbeat: “We’re going to be in the knockout phase, which is exactly where we wanted to be.” He admitted Canada missed an opportunity to top the group but praised the team’s growing experience in high-pressure games.
One serious injury hit: midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg during the Qatar match and will not return to the tournament.
Alphonso Davies Returns to Action
The biggest boost for Canada is the return of star left-back Alphonso Davies. Marsch confirmed Davies is fit to play for the first time at this World Cup after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in a Champions League semifinal in early May.
Interestingly, Marsch used Davies as a decoy against Switzerland—dressing him and letting opponents worry about him—while never intending to play him. With Davies now back, Canada’s attacking threat on the left flank is transformed.
Key Impact of Davies’ Return
Who Are Bafana Bafana?
South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, qualified in dramatic fashion. After a 2-0 loss to Mexico in which two players received red cards, an early exit seemed inevitable. But they regrouped, drew with Czechia, and then sealed their place with a 1-0 win over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute goal propelled them into their first-ever knockout round.
Canada enters ranked 30th by FIFA; South Africa sits at 60th. On paper, Canada holds the advantage. Yet knockout matches rarely respect rankings.
What This Match Means for Canada
Canada has appeared in only two World Cups: 1986 and 2022. They have never won a knockout match. A victory Sunday would be the most significant result in Canadian men’s soccer history.
Captain Stephen Eustáquio captured the team’s mood after the Switzerland loss: “We’re sad and mad about this result. We’re ready for whatever’s next.”
Whatever’s next is South Africa. The match kicks off Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on TSN and CTV. Don’t miss this historic moment.
Categories