South Africa faces Canada tonight in the first match of the round of 32 at the ongoing Fifa 2026 World Cup. This is a historic match for both side as it marks the first time either team have made the knockout stage of the World Cup.
South Africa recovered from opening 2-0 lost to co-host Mexico with a draw against Czechia before a much needed 1-0 against South Korea to qualify for the knockout round much to the shock of many who were against the African team due to the ongoing political issues with captain Ronwell Williams making a rallying cry and urged people to “leave politics to the politicians”. The appeal comes in the middle of a massive continental debate during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with arguments unfolding across Africa.
Canada on their part drew 1-1 against Bosnia in their opening match before battling Qatar 6-0 with Juventus forward Jonathan David scoring a stunning hat trick to join football legend Lionel Messi and current ballon d’or and French forward Osmane Dembele as the only players to have scored a hat trick in this year’s World Cup. Despite losing 2-1 to Switzerland, Canada qualify as runners up and set to face South Africa in the round of 32 tonight.
Kick off is 8pm Nigerian time and Los Angeles stadium (SoFi ) will be the venue for this encounter with winner set to face the Netherlands or Morocco in the round of 16.
