The Canadian men’s national team is about to make history as they prepare for their inaugural FIFA World Cup knockout match. This Sunday, June 28, at 3 p.m. ET, Canada will face South Africa at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in a Round of 32 showdown. This encounter marks the first time both nations have advanced past the group stage in a men’s World Cup, creating a unique moment in international soccer history.
A Rollercoaster Path to the Knockouts
Canada’s journey through Group B was filled with dramatic highs and challenging lows. The team secured their first-ever point at a senior men’s FIFA World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. They then achieved their first-ever World Cup victory by demolishing Qatar 6-0, with Jonathan David scoring a spectacular hat-trick. However, their final group match against Switzerland ended in a 2-1 loss at Vancouver’s BC Place, preventing them from finishing first in the group. Despite the setback, Jesse Marsch’s team finished second and earned their place in the Round of 32 for the first time ever.
The victory against Qatar came with a significant injury toll. Midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg during the match and will miss the remainder of the tournament. Marsch later admitted that failing to top the group was an opportunity missed, acknowledging that tactical adjustments at halftime could have changed the outcome against Switzerland. Still, the primary objective was achieved: Canada has reached the knockout stage.
Alphonso Davies Returns to Action
The most significant development heading into Sunday’s match is the confirmed return of Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich left-back, who sustained a hamstring injury during a Champions League semifinal in early May, will be fit to play for the first time at this World Cup. Marsch had previously used Davies as a decoy against Switzerland, dressing him and allowing the opposition to worry about his potential involvement while never intending to field him. His actual return transforms Canada’s attacking capabilities, with Davies pushing high on the left flank and David leading the line as the team presses from the front.
The Rise of Bafana Bafana
South Africa’s road to the knockout stage was equally dramatic and unpredictable. After suffering a 2-0 opening loss to Mexico and seeing two players receive red cards, an early exit seemed inevitable. However, the team regrouped, drew against Czechia, and delivered when the moment mattered most. Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike against South Korea propelled South Africa into the knockout stage for the first time in their history. Currently ranked 30th by FIFA compared to South Africa’s 60th position, Canada holds a clear advantage on paper, though knockout matches rarely respect ranking statistics.
What This Victory Means for Canadian Soccer
For Canadian soccer fans, the stakes extend far beyond a single match result. The national team has appeared in only two World Cups in their history—1986 and 2022—without ever winning a knockout match. A victory on Sunday would represent the most significant achievement in Canadian men’s soccer history. Captain Stephen Eustáquio captured the team’s determination after the Switzerland loss, stating that their sadness and frustration over the result proved they were ready for whatever came next.
The upcoming opponent is South Africa, and the match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on TSN and CTV. This historic encounter between two nations making their knockout stage debut will define the future trajectory of both teams in international soccer.