World Cup 2026 schedule, stats and preview, TV channel, live streaming online and prediction
Canada will host the tournament Canada will face South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday in the first game of the 32-game World Cup.
History will be made regardless of the result, as both countries enter the knockout stages of the men’s World Cup for the first time.
Canada will start as slight favorites after a strong group stage campaign that saw them win their first ever final with a stunning 6-0 victory over Qatar.
It was the widest margin of victory by a CONCACAF team in World Cup history, with Jonathan David scoring England’s first hat-trick since England’s Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966.
Jesse Marsch’s team wasted the opportunity to play Bafana Bafana following a 2-1 defeat by Switzerland. It means that Canada will be the first country to host the World Cup finals outside its borders.
But Marsch believes that could work in his side’s favor as he looks to cement his name in Les Rouges football history.
“Obviously, we wanted to stay in Canada and play in front of our fans and use all that energy,” Marsch said.
“But it’s also a big mental burden for our team. Being close to the city, people close to the hotel, it’s like a circus.
“I mean it’s the one we’ve enjoyed the most, but I think going away will give us a bit of a break and calm down in terms of the experience and make sure we can focus completely on it and what the game is, which I think will be good for us. Even the mental and physical load I’m talking about.”
The Canadian manager could also welcome captain and talisman Alphonso Davies for his first taste of the World Cup this summer.
The Bayern Munich player has not played as he has recovered from the strain he suffered while playing in the semi-finals of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
It was thought the 25-year-old could play a part in the group stage, but Marsch admitted that was not the plan at all and revealed how he used him as a decoy ahead of their last game.
“He [Davies] I wouldn’t have played today,” Marsch said after the Switzerland match. “I wanted Switzerland to think about him.”
With Canada heading into the Round of 16, Marsch knows the challenge his team faces against an African side full of confidence after their win over South Korea.
“A lot of people expected South Korea to dominate that game, but actually it was the other way around,” the American said.
“What you see in South Africa is a team that is self-contained, in open spaces, runs very fast, and believes very much in what they do.
“I was impressed with South Africa in this match… they were the better team, and they will give us a big challenge.”
Progress seemed impossible in South Africa after the first day’s defeat by Mexico reduced the Bafana Bafana team to nine men.
But Hugo Broos’ men have shown resilience, moving up to second place in Group A with four points as they have stayed ahead of the competition for almost 30 minutes so far.
“The mentality in this team is amazing,” Broos said after the South Korea game.
South Africa v Canada team news
There has been mixed fortunes in South Africa regarding the selection of teams. Broos will welcome Teboho Mokoena into the session, but Themba Zwane is still unavailable following his red card against Mexico.
As for Canada, Ismael Kone is out after breaking his tibia against Qatar, while Stephen Eustaquio (hamstring) and Alfie Jones (fitness) are also doubtful.
Davies may play a role, but is likely to play a role on the bench. The surprising pairing of David and Cyle Larin were once again set to lead the line.
South Africa v Canada predicted lineup
South Africa XI: Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa
Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Larin
Where to watch South Africa v Canada: TV and Internet radio
Kick-off is on Sunday at 8pm BST (3pm ET / 12pm PT). In the UK, live TV broadcasts on BBC One.
Live streaming on multiple devices is available via the BBC iPlayer app and the BBC Sport website.
