# South Africa vs Canada Match Preview, Prediction, Timings, Lineups, Teams, How to Watch — FIFA World Cup 2026

URL: https://technosports.co.in/south-africa-vs-canada-match-preview/  
Published: 2026-06-28  
Updated: 2026-06-28  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

**This isn’t just a football match — it’s a moment in African football history.** Bafana Bafana have reached the knockout stage of a men’s FIFA World Cup for the very first time, and they face co-hosts Canada in a mouthwatering Round of 32 clash in Los Angeles. Who blinks first under the bright LA sun? Let’s break it all down.

### South Africa vs Canada Match Details

| Detail | Info |
| --- | --- |
| **Match** | South Africa vs Canada — Round of 32 |
| **Tournament** | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| **Date** | Sunday, June 29, 2026 |
| **Venue** | Los Angeles Stadium, USA |
| **Local Time (EST)** | 3:00 PM EST |
| **India Time (IST)** | 12:30 AM IST (June 29) |
| **GMT** | 8:00 PM GMT |

### How They Got Here

South Africa’s path to the knockout stage has been a rollercoaster. A dire 2-0 opening defeat to Mexico — during which midfielders Themba Zwane and Sphephelo Sithole were shown red — looked like it could derail the campaign early. But coach Hugo Broos responded with three changes, and the team responded with a creditable 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, courtesy of a Teboho Mokoena penalty. Then came their decisive 1-0 win over South Korea, sealed by a 63rd-minute Thapelo Maseko strike, which confirmed a historic first knockout-round appearance. [goal](https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/south-africa-canada-world-cup-preview/blt7b092fc81d7fdc79)

![South Africa vs Canada](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sous55s-1024x576.jpg)

Canada had a smoother group-stage ride, drawing 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina before thrashing Qatar 6-0 — including a Jonathan David hat-trick — before losing 2-1 to Switzerland in their final group game. However, that Qatar win came at a cost: Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg and is out of the tournament. Star left-back Alphonso Davies, who returned from injury during Bayern Munich’s Champions League campaign, hasn’t played a single minute at this World Cup. [goal](https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/south-africa-canada-world-cup-preview/blt7b092fc81d7fdc79)

### Probable Lineups

**South Africa (Bafana Bafana)**  
Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa [goal](https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/south-africa-canada-world-cup-preview/blt7b092fc81d7fdc79)

**Canada**  
Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Millar; David, Oluwaseyi [goal](https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/south-africa-canada-world-cup-preview/blt7b092fc81d7fdc79)

### Key Battles to Watch

Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng lit up the South Korea match with penetrative runs and sharp decision-making, while Thapelo Maseko operated as a constant threat as an inverted winger. For Canada, Jonathan David — fresh off a hat-trick against Qatar — will be the primary danger man, supported by Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi. [goal](https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/south-africa-canada-world-cup-preview/blt7b092fc81d7fdc79)

### Head-to-Head

South Africa and Canada have met only once before in recorded history — a friendly in November 2007, which South Africa won 2-0. Tuesday’s clash in Los Angeles is only the second meeting between the two nations. [goal](https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/south-africa-canada-world-cup-preview/blt7b092fc81d7fdc79)

### Our Prediction

South Africa’s defensive solidity and Mofokeng’s flair on the counter make them genuinely dangerous. But Canada’s striking firepower — even without Davies — is a serious threat. Expect a tight, cagey affair. We’re backing a narrow Canada win, but Bafana could easily take this to extra time.

**Predicted Winner: Canada — 2-1** 🇨🇦

### How to Watch South Africa vs Canada Live

Catch all the action live on [FIFA’s official website](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026) for updates. In India, JioCinema and Sports18 are broadcasting all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. US viewers can watch on FOX Sports and Telemundo. Check your local broadcaster for regional listings.

For live scores, FIFA World Cup 2026 bracket updates, and match-by-match previews, head over to [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in) — your go-to source for football and sports coverage. Also check out our [FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule and Results Hub](https://technosports.co.in) to stay on top of every fixture.

Broadcasting varies by region. Here’s a quick guide:

| Region | Broadcaster |
| --- | --- |
| **India** | JioTV, Sports18 |
| **UK** | ITV / BBC |
| **Australia** | Optus Sport |
| **USA** | Fox Sports, Telemundo |
| **Turkey** | TRT Sport |

## FAQs

### **Q1. What time does South Africa vs Canada start in India (IST)?**

  
The South Africa vs Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match kicks off at **12:30 AM IST on Monday, June 29, 2026** (late night after June 28 in India), from the Los Angeles Stadium.

### **Q2. Has South Africa ever reached the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup before?**  

No — this is the first time in their history that Bafana Bafana have reached the knockout phase of a men’s FIFA World Cup. It makes this clash in Los Angeles a landmark moment for African football.