The 2026 World Cup knockout stage begins on Sunday evening with Bafana Bafana meeting Canada at SoFi Stadium. Here is everything you need to know before the 20:00 WAT kick-off.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its knockout stage on Sunday, June 28, and it begins with a genuinely intriguing fixture: South Africa face Canada at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Kick-off is at 20:00 West Africa Time (3pm ET / 8pm UK). This is Bafana Bafana’s first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout match — a historic milestone for South African football — and Canada enter as moderate favourites, powered by one of the most lethal strikers at the tournament in Jonathan David.
For Nigerian fans whose Super Eagles did not qualify, this Round of 32 is where the tournament really begins. South Africa are the African continent’s opening act in the knockout rounds and carry the hopes of nine nations that made it this far. Whoever wins here will face the winner of Netherlands vs Morocco on July 4 in Houston.
South Africa (Group A runners-up, 4 points): Bafana Bafana had a turbulent group stage but finished it with a decisive surge. They opened with a narrow defeat to tournament hosts Mexico, recovered to draw with Czechia, then produced the result of their tournament — a 1-0 win over South Korea in the final group match — to secure second place in Group A. That win over the Asian powerhouses was South Africa’s first World Cup knockout qualification and sparked wild celebrations among the 37-player travelling party coached by Hugo Broos’s successor, Rhulani Mokwena.
Bafana have been compact and hard to break down, conceding only twice across three group games. Their main limitation is in front of goal — Percy Tau has been bright in flashes but South Africa have scored just twice in the group stage, relying on clean sheets and set-piece threat to accumulate points. For the full South Africa World Cup 2026 guide, including squad and fixtures, head to the dedicated country profile.
Canada (Group B runners-up, 4 points): Jesse Marsch’s side drew their opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina before demolishing Qatar 6-0 in a performance that announced them as one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking teams. A subsequent loss to Switzerland in their final group game kept them in second place rather than topping the group, but Canada arrive in Los Angeles with a goal difference of +6 and genuine belief in their attacking quality.
The focal point of everything Canada do is Jonathan David — the Lille striker turned in his best international tournament yet, scoring three times in the group stage and matching his own record as Canada’s all-time top scorer (39 goals from 77 caps). His movement in behind the defensive line, composure under pressure, and aerial ability on set pieces make him the single most dangerous player in this fixture.
South Africa are expected to name an unchanged XI from their South Korea win, with Bongani Zungu screening in front of the back four and Lyle Foster serving as the lone striker. Their fullbacks, Reeve Frosler and Terrence Mashego, provided useful width in the group stage and will need to manage Canada’s dangerous wide forward runs carefully.
Canada are likely to keep faith with the same lineup that beat Qatar, with Jonathan David leading the line and Alphonso Davies offering pace and menace down the left flank. Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio was outstanding against Qatar and provides the energy and press resistance Canada need in tight knockout football.
Canada enter as clear favourites and it is difficult to argue against their attacking quality. Bet9ja price Canada at 2.10 to win in 90 minutes, South Africa at 3.60, and the draw at 3.20. SportyBet offer similar prices: Canada 2.05, draw 3.25, South Africa 3.50.
Canada to Win — Odds: 2.10 (Bet9ja)
Jonathan David’s form is the decisive factor here. South Africa have been miserly defensively but faced far less attacking quality than Canada can provide. Alphonso Davies creates an additional threat that Bafana’s right side may struggle to contain for 90 minutes. Canada’s squad depth and tactical flexibility under Jesse Marsch gives them the edge to find the goal or goals needed to progress.
We fancy Canada to win without requiring extra time, though a tight scoreline of 1-0 or 2-1 feels most likely given South Africa’s defensive organisation.
Jonathan David Anytime Scorer — Odds: 2.20 (SportyBet)
Three goals in three group games. David is relentless in his movement and South Africa’s central defenders will have seen limited exposure to a striker of his technical quality. He leads all World Cup scorers in the tournament’s Golden Boot race and this fixture represents another opportunity on an open stage.
At 2.20 on SportyBet and 2.30 on BetKing, this is one of the better individual player markets available on Sunday.
Under 2.5 Goals — Odds: 1.55 (Bet9ja)
South Africa’s defensive record — two goals conceded in three group games — suggests this will not be a high-scoring affair even if Canada are expected to win. The Bafana backline is well-organised and unlikely to collapse. A single Canada goal may be enough. Under 2.5 at 1.55 is solid value for conservative punters who expect a tight, structured knockout tie.
Canada Win and Under 2.5 Goals — Odds: 2.80 (SportyBet)
For those wanting a sharper payout, this combination captures the most likely scoreline — a 1-0 or 1-0 Canada win — without needing a goal feast. At 2.80 this represents quality value in the double-result market.
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The winner of South Africa vs Canada will face either Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16 in Houston on Friday, July 4. Morocco come into that potential tie having advanced from Group C in excellent form and would represent a fierce African derby if South Africa pull off the upset. Canada, on the other hand, would face a tough challenge from one of Europe’s most tactically astute sides in the Netherlands.
The World Cup 2026 knockout stage begins here. South Africa have everything to prove and nothing to lose. Canada have the weapons to win but must not be caught cold in the opening exchanges. Kick-off: 20:00 WAT, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.
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