Co-hosts Canada and South Africa will make history when they face off in the opening Round of 32 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Neither nation has ever reached the knockout stage of the World Cup, making the encounter a landmark moment for both teams.
South Africa are among nine African teams to progress to the Round of 32, with the continent benefiting significantly from the expanded 48-team tournament. The Bafana Bafana recovered from a 2-0 opening defeat to Mexico with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea to secure qualification.
Canada also advanced to the knockout stage despite a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in their final group match. Finishing second in their group meant they forfeited home advantage and will now play in the United States.
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch is boosted by the return of star defender Alphonso Davies, who missed the group stage with a hamstring injury.
“Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, it’s a big moment and a big boost for the team,” Marsch said.
“He’s a big X-factor for us. The belief the players have in him, and the belief he has in himself, changes what our team is capable of achieving in this tournament.”
South Africa coach Hugo Broos described reaching the Round of 32 as a successful campaign but insisted his side wants to go even further.
“That doesn’t mean we are satisfied. Once you are there, you want more, and we want to win tomorrow’s game,” Broos said.
“If we show the same mentality and level we displayed against South Korea, we have a chance, even though Canada are a very strong team.”
DR Congo Reach Knockout Stage
Elsewhere, DR Congo booked a historic place in the knockout stage for the first time after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1. The victory, their first-ever World Cup win, secured third place in Group K and a Round of 32 clash with England.
“We love our national team and what we represent. Tonight we showed what it means to fight no matter what,” said DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa.
England topped their group with a 2-0 win over Panama, though questions remain over their title credentials.
In Group J, Austria and Algeria played out a dramatic 3-3 draw, with Sasa Kalajdzic scoring a stoppage-time equaliser to send both teams through while eliminating Iran.
Reigning champions Argentina also maintained their perfect record, beating Jordan 3-1 as Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of the tournament and his 19th across all World Cups. Argentina will face surprise package Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
Co-hosts Canada, South Africa Set for Historic World Cup Knockout Clash
