After 144 group stage matches, it’s now time for knockout football at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Both teams opening the Round of 32 on Sunday in Inglewood — South Africa vs. Canada — have made history before even kicking a ball, as it’s their first time in a World Cup knockout round. Both will hope their respective rides continue just a little bit longer. That’s especially true for Canada, given it’s one of the co-hosts.
These two teams have actually met just once before. That was on November 20, 2007, when Bafana Bafana won 2-0 in Durban behind a Teko Modise brace.
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How South Africa got to the Round of 32
Bafana Bafana finished second behind Mexico in Group F to advance to the knockout stage. But things got off to a rough start as they dropped a 2-0 decision to El Tri in their opener while losing two players to red cards. On June 18, they drew Czechia 1-1 in Atlanta on a Tebeho Mokoena penalty with less than 10 minutes remaining, then topped South Korea 1-0 to secure runner-up status.
How Canada got to the Round of 32
Canada trailed Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0 after the 21st minute, but Cyle Larin’s equalizer in the 78th minute saw it finish 1-1 to open group play. The Canadians had a much easier time with Qatar (6-0) thanks to Jonathan David’s hat trick before falling 2-1 to Switzerland and securing a second-place finish in Group B.
There should be good news for the CanMNT: Alphonso Davies, who missed all of the group stage while nursing a hamstring injury, will be available for selection against South Africa.
Where to watch South Africa vs. Canada
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Kickoff time: Sunday, June 28th, 2026, 3 p.m. ET
Available TV/streaming: FOX/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)
Metro Atlanta World Cup festivities are carrying on all throughout the tournament. Here’s a list of places you can watch all the World Cup action, along with a map.
If you’re headed to Atlanta to see games in person, check out our World Cup guide, which gives you information on where to stay, what to do, see, and eat, along with how to get around using MARTA.
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