Preview: South Africa vs Canada | Latest news, line-ups, absences (28/06/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch South Africa vs Canada in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup
South Africa and Canada meet in Los Angeles on Sunday in a historic Round of 32 tie, with both teams preparing for their first-ever knockout match at a World Cup.
South Africa reached this stage after finishing second in Group A. Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 to Mexico in the opening match, drew 1-1 with Czechia and then produced a famous 1-0 victory over South Korea to secure qualification. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal, sending South Africa into the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
Meanwhile, Jesse Marsch‘s side drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, thrashed Qatar 6-0 and then lost 2-1 to Switzerland to finish second in Group B. The co-hosts missed the chance to stay in Canada for the knockout stage, but they remain alive and will expect strong travelling support in California.
From a betting perspective, it’s worth checking the latest World Cup predictions before the start of the Round of 32 fixtures.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
South Africa arrive with momentum after back-to-back improved performances. Hugo Broos‘ side looked far more organised after their opening defeat to Mexico and showed impressive tactical discipline against South Korea.
Canada’s biggest absence is Ismaël Koné, who suffered a serious leg injury against Qatar. Marsch also faces questions over Alphonso Davies, who did not feature against Switzerland despite earlier suggestions that he was ready to play.
South Africa
Broos is expected to stay close to the side that beat South Korea. Ronwen Williams remains a huge figure in goal, while Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba have helped give South Africa a stronger defensive base. In attack, Maseko has strengthened his case for another start after his winner against South Korea.
However, South Africa will be without Themba Zwane after FIFA dismissed the appeal against his three-match suspension. That is a significant blow, as Zwane remains one of the team’s most experienced creative players.
Canada
Canada are trying to adjust without Koné in midfield, with Nathan Saliba having already stepped up, producing an assist against Switzerland. Jonathan David is the obvious attacking threat after his hat-trick against Qatar. Cyle Larin gives Canada another penalty-box presence, while Tajon Buchanan and Ali Ahmed offer pace from wide areas.
Davies remains the major question. If he is fit enough to start, Canada gain one of the most explosive players in the tournament. If not, Marsch may again lean on a more balanced and compact shape.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
South Africa and Canada have met once before at senior international level. That match was played in Durban, with Teko Modise scoring both goals for Bafana Bafana. Sunday’s meeting will be the first competitive match between the nations.
Previous meetings:
- 20/11/2007: South Africa 2-0 Canada (International friendly)
Predicted line-ups
South Africa are likely to keep their structure after the win over South Korea, while Canada should also remain close to their group-stage setup, with Davies’ fitness the biggest selection question.
Tactical analysis: Canada’s speed against South Africa’s structure
This is a fascinating clash between Canada’s aggressive, high-energy style and South Africa’s increasingly disciplined defensive block. Canada will try to press high, win the ball quickly and attack before South Africa can settle. Jonathan David’s movement, Larin’s presence and Buchanan’s speed give Marsch plenty of ways to threaten. If Davies is available, Canada’s left side becomes even more dangerous.
South Africa will likely accept long spells without possession like they did in their victory over South Korea. Their best route may be through quick transitions, set-pieces and moments of individual quality from Appollis, Maseko or Makgopa.
If Canada can dominate second balls and force South Africa into mistakes, they should create chances. If Mokoena and Sithole can slow the game down, Bafana Bafana may frustrate the co-hosts and turn this into a tense knockout contest.
Key players to watch
Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Williams could be South Africa’s most important player again. The captain has led the team through difficult moments at this tournament and his calm presence has been vital behind an improving defence. Canada are likely to create pressure, especially through wide areas, so Williams may need to make several important saves. In fact, over 3.5 saves for Williams looks like one of the standout picks. Canada should create more chances and force South Africa to defend for long spells, giving their captain plenty of work to do.
Jonathan David (Canada)
David is Canada’s biggest goal threat and arrives in excellent form after his hat-trick against Qatar. His movement inside the box, calm finishing and ability to combine with Larin make him the player South Africa must watch most closely. David anytime goalscorer is the obvious Canada play. For better value, backing David to score first could be tempting if Canada start quickly and push South Africa deep early on.
Where to watch South Africa vs Canada in the UK and Ireland
South Africa vs Canada kicks off at 20:00 BST on Sunday, June 28 at Los Angeles Stadium, also known as SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, California. In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast across the BBC and ITV World Cup schedule, with final channel allocation confirmed closer to kick-off.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available through RTÉ’s World Cup coverage and RTÉ Player.
Market insights and probability predictions
According to the latest World Cup betting odds, Canada are slight favourites, but this is one of the more evenly balanced Round of 32 ties. Current markets imply approximately a 48% chance of a Canada win inside 90 minutes, compared to around 25% for South Africa, while the draw is rated at roughly 27%. The goals market points towards a tight match. Under 2.5 goals is priced at around 54%, while both teams to score sits close to 46%.
South Africa have already made history and have the organisation to make this difficult, but Canada possess slightly more attacking quality and should have enough to edge a close knockout tie.
