FIFA World Cup 2026, South Africa vs Canada Predicted Lineups, Team News, Prediction and More

Last Updated:June 28, 2026, 15:07 IST

Canada begin their first-ever World Cup knockout campaign against South Africa, who have already scripted history. Can Bafana Bafana spring another surprise?

History will be made one way or another when South Africa and Canada lock horns in the opening Round of 32 clash at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.

For the Canadians, this marks their first-ever appearance in the knockout rounds of a World Cup. For South Africa, it’s another historic milestone after Bafana Bafana battled their way beyond the group stage for the very first time.

Canada may be the favourites on paper, but World Cups have a funny way of ignoring the script.

Canada Looking To Bounce Back

Jesse Marsch’s side arrive after an impressive group-stage campaign that saw them finish runners-up in Group B with four points. Their standout moment came in a stunning 6-0 demolition of Qatar, the nation’s biggest victory at a World Cup, before a disappointing defeat to Switzerland denied them top spot.

Finishing second means Canada lose the luxury of home advantage and must travel south to California, but expect SoFi Stadium to still be packed with red-and-white support as the co-hosts chase a place in the Round of 16.

Jonathan David has been one of the stars of the tournament so far, while Cyle Larin has also found his scoring touch, giving Canada plenty of firepower heading into the knockout rounds.

South Africa Out To Spoil The Party

South Africa’s route has been far less glamorous, but no less effective.

Bafana Bafana scored just twice in three group matches, yet still collected four points thanks to disciplined defending and a famous victory over South Korea, sealed by Thapelo Maseko’s winner.

They may not possess the attacking depth of their opponents, but Hugo Broos’ side have shown throughout the tournament that they are organised, difficult to break down and capable of punishing teams on the counter.

Canada will know better than to underestimate them.

Predicted Lineups

South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.

Canada (4-4-2): Crépeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Choinière, Ahmed; David, Larin.

Match Prediction

Canada possess the superior squad and significantly more attacking quality, with David and Larin forming one of the tournament’s most dangerous strike partnerships.

South Africa, however, have already shown they can frustrate stronger opponents with a compact defensive shape and quick counter-attacks. Expect Bafana Bafana to keep things tight for long spells, but Canada’s extra quality in the final third should eventually make the difference.

Prediction: South Africa 0-2 Canada

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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