Host Canada face South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday in the first of the round of 16 of the World Cup – and history will be made regardless of the outcome, as both nations play their first-ever knockout match at a World Cup.
Canada go in as narrow favourites after a solid group stage, where they claimed the country’s first-ever World Cup win with a 6-0 win over Qatar. It was the biggest win by a CONCACAF team in World Cup history, and Jonathan David scored his first hat-trick for a host country since England’s Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966.
World Cup 2026: All round of 16 finals are ready! – Norway will face France in the final at the earliest
Jesse Marsch’s side, however, lost home advantage when they fell 1-2 to Switzerland in the group final. Thus, Canada becomes the first host country to play a World Cup playoff match outside its own borders. But Marsch believes it can turn in their favor – and give the team peace to focus.
“Of course, we would play in Canada in front of our own fans and use all that energy,” Marsch said.
“But it’s also a big mental strain on the team. Being around the city, people outside the hotel – it becomes a bit of a circus. We’ve really enjoyed it, but I think going away will give us a little more peace and focus on the game itself. I think that will be good for us.
Canada could also bring back captain and key player Alphonso Davies for their first World Cup appearance this summer. The Bayern Munich player has not played yet due to a hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League semi-final against PSG. It was thought that the 25-year-old could play in the group stage, but Marsch admitted that was never the plan – and that he used Davies as a diversion before the final group game.
“He was never going to play today,” Marsch said after the Switzerland match. “I wanted Switzerland to have to think about him.
South Africa – from nine men to knockout
For a long time, South Africa seemed far away from advancing after an opening loss to Mexico where they ended up with nine men. But Hugo Broos’ men have shown immense mental fortitude, advancing as runners-up in Group A with four points – despite only leading for about 30 minutes in total in the championship.
“The mentality in this group is unbelievable,” Broos said after the win over South Korea.
Team news for South Africa vs Canada
South Africa get Teboho Mokoena back from suspension, but Themba Zwane is still unavailable after the red card against Mexico.
For Canada, Ismaël Koné is out with a calf fracture injury against Qatar, while Stephen Eustáquio (muscle) and Alfie Jones (fitness) are uncertain. Davies could get game time, but probably from the bench. David and Cyle Larin are expected to lead the attack.
Predicted line-ups
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams – Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba – Mbatha, Mokoena – Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis – Makgopa
Canada (4-4-2): Crépeau – Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea – Buchanan, Eustáquio, Saliba, Ahmed – David, Larin
Key figures for South Africa vs. Canada
- This is the first World Cup meeting between the teams – and only the second meeting overall. The only previous encounter was a 2-0 win over South Africa in a friendly in 2007.
- The winner will face the Netherlands or Morocco in the round of eight.
- Both teams finished second in their groups with four points.
- The victory over South Korea made 74-year-old Hugo Broos the oldest manager ever to win a World Cup match.
South Africa vs. Canada prediction
South Africa 1-2 Canada
Canada has already shown offensive strength in the tournament, while South Africa has impressed with a never-give-up attitude. Everything points to a close, even game – but one that Canada should win by a narrow margin.
Read on F7: Two Premier League giants throw themselves into the competition for Andreas Schjelderup
