History is unfolding this Sunday as Canada and South Africa meet at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California for their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on June 28, marking a monumental milestone: both nations will be playing their inaugural elimination-round match in men’s World Cup history. As co-hosts, Canada has already shattered expectations, while South Africa has achieved its deepest run in the tournament after a stunning victory over South Korea.
Canada’s Rollercoaster Path to the Knockouts
Canada’s journey through Group B was filled with highs and lows. The team opened with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, then secured its first ever World Cup victory with a dominant 6-0 win over Qatar in Vancouver—featuring a hat-trick from Jonathan David. However, a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in the final group match prevented Canada from topping the group, leaving them as runner-up in Group B.
Despite the setback, the victory against Qatar came with a serious injury: midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament. Jesse Marsch, Canada’s coach, later admitted he missed an opportunity to win the group and should have made tactical adjustments at halftime. Still, the Canadians advanced—making history regardless of the final group standings.
Key Players and Tactical Shifts
The most significant update before Sunday’s match is the return of Alphonso Davies, the Bayern Munich left-back. Marsch confirmed Davies will be fit to play for the first time in this World Cup after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during a Champions League semifinal in early May. Davies had been used as a decoy against Switzerland—dressed and positioned to draw the opposition’s attention—even though Marsch never intended to play him.
With Davies back, Canada’s attacking threat is transformed. The team will now press aggressively from the front, using Davies to push high on the left and David to lead the line. This strategy aims to exploit weaknesses in South Africa’s build-up play and maintain offensive pressure throughout the match.
- Alphonso Davies: Returning from hamstring injury, now fit to play
- Jonathan David: Hat-trick hero in Qatar, leading the attacking line
- Ismaël Koné: Out for the tournament due to broken leg
South Africa’s Unlikely Rise
South Africa’s path was even more unpredictable. After a 2-0 opening loss to Mexico—where two players received red cards—their exit seemed almost certain. Yet, they regrouped, drew with Czechia, and delivered a massive 1-0 victory over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike propelled them into second place in Group A and into the knockout stage for the first time in their nation’s history.
Ranked 60th by FIFA, South Africa faces Canada, ranked 30th. While the rankings suggest a clear advantage for Canada, knockout matches rarely hinge on such numbers. The pressure of elimination, the momentum from their surprise win, and the unity of their squad make South Africa a formidable opponent.
What This Match Means for Canadian Soccer
For Canadian fans, this match transcends a single result. Canada has appeared in only two World Cups—1986 and 2022—and has never won a knockout match. A victory on Sunday would represent the most significant achievement in Canadian men’s soccer history. The team’s captain, Stephen Eustáquio, captured the team’s mindset after the Switzerland loss: “We’re sad and mad about this result. We’re ready for whatever’s next.”
Whatever’s next is South Africa. The match will be broadcast live on TSN and CTV starting at 3 p.m. ET. This is not just a game—it’s a historic moment that could redefine Canadian soccer. Don’t miss it.