​The 2026 World Cup moves into the knockout stage on Sunday with the Round of 32 getting underway, as the remaining teams aim for the world title. Co-hosts Canada and South Africa will play the day’s only match, with losers eliminated from further action. Here’s what you need to know for Day 18.
South Africa vs. Canada takes place on Sunday, June 28, at 3 p.m. ET in Inglewood, California. The game will be shown on Fox. The odds are Canada -320, South Africa +250, and a draw +260. Canada is the sole co-host nation still in the tournament to advance to the knockout rounds. While the United States and Mexico will both play in the Round of 32—USA against Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco and Mexico facing a third-placed team at Estadio Azteca—the Canadian squad must leave Canada for their fixture at SoFi Stadium in California.
Despite the away setting, Canada’s players are embracing the challenge, with forward Tani Oluwaseyi noting the motivation that comes from playing in an opposing atmosphere. The biggest remaining question for Canada is captain Alphonso Davies, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury in the group stage but is expected to be fit and available to bolster the team. Head coach Jesse Marsch emphasized the potential impact of Davies, both on and off the field, if he returns to lead the squad.
Canada drew 1-1-1 in the group stage, while South Africa also finished 1-1-1, clinching their Round of 32 berth with a 1-0 victory over South Korea in midweek. Ismaël Koné is out for Canada due to a broken leg, and Stephen Eustáquio is questionable to play. Moïse Bombito will be available. For South Africa, Teboho Mokoena returns from a red-card suspension, but Themba Zwane will miss a second consecutive match after his red card against Mexico. The winner will advance to face either Morocco or the Netherlands on July 4 in Houston.