Canada take on South Africa in the first knockout game of the World Cup 2026 with the two teams clashing in Los Angeles this evening.
Canada finished Group B in second place, having thrashed Qatar 6-0 in between a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a loss to Switzerland in their final group game.
Jesse Marsch’s men now take on Bafana Bafana who finished as runners-up in Group A. South Africa began the tournament slowly with a loss to Mexico but have steadily improved after a draw with Czech Republic and a crucial win over South Korea which sent them throught.
This contest seems like a decent match up on paper with both teams believing they have the abilities to beat the other and reach the next round. Whoever proves triumphant will go on to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the last-16.
Follow all the action from the World Cup last-32 with our live blog below:
South Africa 0-0 Canada
54 mins: Watching the game there’s an argument to be made that Canada are the more proactive side but for me South Africa are the ones in control.
They release Maseko out on the right wing after beating the press. Maseko weaves into the area but runs into traffic and the attack dies down without a shot.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
51 mins: A long throw in sends the ball into the box for Canada and Cornelius wins the header.
He flicks it on into the middle of the area but there are none of his teammates available to get on the end of the second ball.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
48 mins: South Africa made a change at the break with Relebohile Mofokeng making way for Thalente Mbatha.
Canada are really finding it tricky to get any rhythm in this match. South Africa have nullified them brilliantly.
Second half! South Africa 0-0 Canada
South Africa get the ball rolling once more. This match may be decided by the subs bench or perhaps by whichever team wants it more.
Let’s find out who that is…
All-square in LA
An uneventful half… until the final few minutes.
Canada will be irritated they’re not ahead. Two desperate clearances off the line on the stoke of half-time and then a penalty appeal turned down.
For what it’s worth, I think it was the right decision from the Portuguese official – Laryea put his leg in-between the defender. At the break, goalless.
Half-time! South Africa 0-0 Canada
45+3 mins: No goals in the first half of this last-32 tie.
That means it’s all to play for when the teams come back out.
Jesse Marsch isn’t happy at all and is stopped from speaking to the referee by defender Bombito.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
45 mins: Laryea sweeps into the box from the left and goes down.
He gets tangled up in the nearest defender and thinks he’s won a penalty. So do the crowd but after a VAR check the referee plays on.
South Africa may have gotten away with one there.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
42 mins: Canada’s next set piece is a corner, their third of the half.
It’s swung into the middle again and comes to Bombito. He heads it into the turf and fires it at goal.
Save! Modiba is on hand to boot the ball off the line but it comes to Buchanan who shoots and is denied by Williams!
