Co-hosts Canada and South Africa will make history on Sunday when they face off in the opening match of the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The encounter at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles marks the first time either nation has reached the knockout stage of football’s biggest tournament, guaranteeing one of them a place in the last 16.
South Africa are among a record nine African nations to qualify for the knockout phase, underlining the continent’s impressive showing at the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Bafana Bafana recovered from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening group match by defeating South Korea 1-0 to book their place in the knockout rounds for the first time.
Canada also progressed from the group stage but missed out on top spot after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group game, forcing them to travel to the United States instead of remaining on home soil for the Round of 32.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch is hopeful the return of captain Alphonso Davies from injury will provide the spark his side needs against the South Africans.
The Bayern Munich defender missed all three group-stage matches with a hamstring injury but has recovered in time for Sunday’s encounter.
“Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it’s a big moment for the team 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 his team’s qualification for the knockout stage as a major success but insisted they are not satisfied with simply reaching the Round of 32.
“We can already say the World Cup has been a success for us,” the Belgian said.
“But that doesn’t mean we’re happy just to be here. Once you reach this stage, you want more, and we want to win tomorrow’s game.
“If we show the same mentality and performance we produced against South Korea, I believe we have a chance, even though Canada are a very strong team.”
Meanwhile, the final day of the group stage produced more drama as DR Congo secured their first-ever World Cup victory by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.
The Congolese side will now face England after finishing third in their group, while Austria and Algeria both advanced following a thrilling 3-3 draw that eliminated Iran from the competition.
England finished top of their group after a 2-0 victory over Panama but head into the knockout rounds with lingering questions over their title credentials.
Reigning champions Argentina also maintained their perfect record, beating Jordan 3-1 thanks to Lionel Messi’s sixth goal of the tournament. The South Americans will face surprise package Cabo Verde in the Round of 32.
With the knockout phase underway, the expanded tournament has already delivered several historic milestones, particularly for African football, which has seen a record nine nations progress beyond the group stage.
