South Africa and Canada meet in Los Angeles with both nations chasing another piece of World Cup history. Neither side had previously played a knockout match at the tournament before this summer, but one of them will now move into the last 16.
South Africa looked in trouble after losing 2-0 to Mexico in their opener, but Hugo Broos’ side recovered well. A draw with Czechia and a 1-0 win over South Korea were enough to take second place in Group A.
Canada also finished on four points, coming through Group B behind Switzerland. A 6-0 win over Qatar put them in a strong position, but defeat to the Swiss denied them top spot.
That has changed the feel of their route. Canada now face this tie outside their own borders, with the winners set to meet either Netherlands or Morocco in the round of 16.
How to watch South Africa v Canada
South Africa v Canada kicks off at 20:00 BST on Sunday, June 28 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles.
US viewers can watch the match on FOX, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo or Universo.
Streaming is available in the United States via Tubi, the FOX Sports app and Peacock.
South Africa team news
South Africa are set to welcome Teboho Mokoena back after he served a one-match suspension against South Korea.
Themba Zwane remains suspended following his red card against Mexico, so Relebohile Mofokeng should continue in the advanced midfield role.
Mokoena could replace Yaya Sithole in the only change from the side that beat South Korea, with Evidence Makgopa expected to lead the line again.
Expected XI:
(4-2-3-1) Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa
Canada team news
Canada are without Ismael Kone, who suffered a tibia fracture against Qatar in their second group game.
Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones are doubts, although Eustaquio is still expected to start if he comes through his late fitness checks.
Alphonso Davies is yet to feature at this World Cup because of a hamstring injury, but he could be involved from the bench. Jonathan David and Cyle Larin should continue together in attack.
Expected XI:
(4-4-2) Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Larin
South Africa v Canada stats
- South Africa are playing in the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time.
- Canada are also playing in the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time.
- South Africa finished second in Group A behind Mexico.
- Canada finished second in Group B behind Switzerland.
- South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico, drew 1-1 with Czechia and beat South Korea 1-0.
- Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina, beat Qatar 6-0 and lost 2-1 to Switzerland.
- Both teams finished the group stage with four points from three matches.
- South Africa and Canada have met once before.
- South Africa won that friendly 2-0 in November 2007.
- The winner will face Netherlands or Morocco in the round of 16.
- South Africa are without the suspended Themba Zwane.
- Canada are without Ismael Kone because of a tibia fracture.
South Africa v Canada prediction
This is not an easy one to call because both teams arrive with enough belief to see a path through.
Canada have the better attacking pairing. David and Larin give them a clear edge in the final third, while Buchanan’s pace on the right should cause problems if South Africa are forced to defend deep for long spells.
That makes Buchanan to draw fouls an interesting route into the game. Aubrey Modiba is likely to have a busy night at left-back, and South Africa’s defensive shape could be tested whenever Canada switch play quickly.
South Africa should still have moments. Appollis and Maseko give them outlets in transition, while Mokoena’s return strengthens the midfield and gives them another set-piece threat.
Canada to qualify looks the safer read, rather than forcing a strong 90-minute position. They have more proven quality in forward areas, but South Africa have already shown enough organisation and counter-attacking threat to keep this close.
A 2-1 Canada win looks a fair prediction, with Marsch’s side edging through but having to work hard for a place in the last 16.
