World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Gets Underway

South Africa face Canada at SoFi Stadium in California tonight at 10pm (Bahrain time) in the first last-32 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a place in the round of 16 at stake.

Canada finished second in Group B behind Switzerland to book their place in the knockout stage, while South Africa were runners-up in Group A behind Mexico. The winner will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the round of 16, with a potential quarter-final against favourites France or Germany further down the line.

Bafana Bafana have already created history this summer by reaching the last-32 stage of a World Cup for the first time. Hugo Broos’ side began with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, but responded well with a 1-1 draw against Czechia before sealing qualification with a surprising 1-0 win over South Korea.

Their return of four points from three matches was enough to finish second in Group A, one point ahead of South Korea. They now prepare to face Canada, having only met once before, a 2-0 friendly win in November 2007. This will be their first competitive meeting, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.

Canada also progressed to the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time, finishing with four points from three matches. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before producing a dominant 6-0 win over Qatar. However, a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland ultimately denied them top spot in Group B.

Jesse Marsch’s side were left to settle for second place, missing out on the advantages that would have come with winning the group. While they will still be viewed as slight favourites on paper, the Canucks must respond after a disappointing final group performance.

It is also confirmed that Canada will not host any further matches in the tournament. After finishing second in Group B, their remaining games will all be played in the United States. Their Round of 32 clash against South Africa takes place in Los Angeles, with a potential round of 16 tie scheduled for Houston on July 4. Canadian venues in Vancouver and Toronto hosted group-stage matches only and will not stage any knockout fixtures, with the remainder of the tournament continuing across the United States and Mexico through to the final on July 19.

Team news

South Africa will welcome Teboho Mokoena back from suspension, providing a timely boost in midfield, while Themba Zwane remains unavailable following his red card against Mexico.

For Canada, Ismael Kone is ruled out with a tibia fracture sustained against Qatar, while Alphonso Davies has yet to feature due to a hamstring injury but could return from the bench.