Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- South Africa, who finished second in Group A with 4 points (1W-1D-1L), face Canada, also second in Group B with 4 points (1W-1D-1L, +3 goal difference), in this Round of 32 clash. Both nations reached the knockout stage for the first time after returning to the World Cup following 16-year absences. At SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, one will make history by advancing to the Round of 16.
- South Africa lost their opener to Mexico 2-0 but recovered with a 1-1 draw against Czechia and a crucial 1-0 victory over South Korea to secure second place. Manager Hugo Broos (74) has carried the momentum from the 2023 AFCON semi-finals into this tournament, with captain Ronwen Williams (34, Mamelodi Sundowns) conceding just 3 goals in 3 matches. In attack, 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates, two-time PSL Young Player of the Year) has been electric down the right flank.
- Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia & Herzegovina, demolished Qatar 6-0, and lost 2-1 to Switzerland, edging Bosnia on goal difference for second place. Jesse Marsch's high-press tactics clicked especially in the Qatar rout, showcasing their attacking potential. Star striker Jonathan David (26, Juventus, 39 international goals) scored twice in three games, while captain Alphonso Davies (25, Bayern Munich) has been used as an impact substitute to change games from the bench.
- South Africa lines up in a 4-2-3-1 with Teboho Mokoena (29, Mamelodi Sundowns, 51 caps/9 goals) and Sphephelo Sithole (27, Tondela) anchoring the midfield. Up front, Evidence Makgopa (26, Orlando Pirates, 188cm) provides aerial threat and hold-up play, supported by the pace of Oswin Appollis (24, 25 caps/8 goals) on the left and Tapelo Maseko (22, AEL Limassol) on the right.
- Canada deploys a 4-4-2 with Tani Oluwaseyi (26, Villarreal) partnering Jonathan David in attack. Stephen Eustáquio (29, LAFC, ex-Porto) orchestrates from central midfield, flanked by Liam Millar (26, Hull City) on the left and Tajon Buchanan (27, Villarreal, ex-Inter) on the right. The defensive line features experienced center-backs Derek Cornelius (28, Rangers) and Moïse Bombito (26, Nice) marshaling the backline.
- The tactical battleground will be midfield control. The duel between South Africa's Mokoena and Canada's Eustáquio, both teams' creative hubs, could determine the match's rhythm. Another key matchup: South Africa's right flank combination of Mofokeng and Khuliso Mudau (31, Mamelodi Sundowns) against Canada's left side of Millar and Richie Laryea (31, Toronto FC). Both squads are built primarily on domestic leagues—PSL for South Africa, MLS for Canada—but strategically placed European-based players level the playing field.
- Victory would be historic for either nation—their first-ever World Cup knockout win. South Africa seeks redemption after their 2010 home tournament group-stage exit, while Canada aims to build on their breakthrough knockout qualification after missing the tournament since 1986. The winner advances to the Round of 16 on July 4 at Houston's NRG Stadium, facing the winner between Group C's leader (likely France) and Group F's runner-up (likely Portugal).