Canada aims for aggressive start in knockout stage
Canada is set to face South Africa in the World Cup round of 32 on Sunday in Inglewood, California. This match marks the first time Canada will compete in a knockout stage game in the men’s tournament. Head coach Jesse Marsch has emphasized the importance of concentration and discipline for his team in this critical phase of the competition.
Canada finished second in Group B, which means they will not have home advantage for this round. Despite this, the team is expected to have strong support at SoFi Stadium and enters the match as a favourite. South Africa is also making its debut in the knockout round, having advanced past the group stage for the first time in its history.
The Canadian squad has already made history in this tournament. They secured their first-ever point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina and achieved their first win by defeating Qatar 6-0. Although they closed group play with a 2-1 loss to Switzerland, their performance was enough to advance.
Tactical approaches and player availability
Jesse Marsch has indicated that his team will focus on an aggressive style of play. Winger Tajon Buchanan echoed this sentiment, stating that the team’s approach will involve being aggressive, confident on the ball, and playing their own style. This strategy aims to create scoring opportunities against a South Africa team known for its physical and athletic play, which could limit Canada’s chances.
South Africa, ranked 60th at the start of the tournament, opened with a 2-0 loss to Mexico, followed by a 1-1 draw against Czechia, and then secured a 1-0 upset victory over South Korea to finish as runner-up in Group A. Coach Hugo Broos expressed his team’s desire to continue their journey, stating that once they are in the knockout stage, they want more.
For Canada, striker Tani Oluwaseyi noted that the team is not underestimating South Africa, especially after their performance against South Korea. He highlighted South Africa’s aggressive start in that match, which led to their win and advancement.
In terms of player availability, Canada could see the return of captain Alphonso Davies. Davies missed all three group-stage games due to a hamstring injury, but Marsch has stated that the left-back is healthy and ready to play. Davies has not played for the national team since March 2025, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Despite this, he has continued to play for Bayern Munich, even featuring in a Champions League semifinal in early May before his latest hamstring issue.
Other potential returns for Canada include Stephen Eustáquio, who is in a race against time to be fit, and Alfie Jones, who has not played this summer. However, Ismaël Koné is out for the tournament due to a leg break. If key players do not return, Marsch may field the same starting eleven that played against Switzerland.
For South Africa, veteran playmaker Themba Zwane remains suspended for the round of 32 after being sent off in the World Cup opener. However, Teboho Mokoena will make his comeback after serving a one-game suspension. Sphephelo Sithole, despite an improved performance in the last match, is expected to make way for the returning Mokoena.
Match details and expectations
The match is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, with a kick-off time of 3 p.m. ET. The referee for the game will be João Pinheiro from Portugal. This encounter will be the first time since the 2002 World Cup that two nations making their knockout phase debut will compete against each other, adding an element of unpredictability regarding how both teams will handle the pressure.
Canada has demonstrated a strong defensive record, keeping one clean sheet in the World Cup and conceding in only four of their last 11 matches. The game against Switzerland was the first time they allowed two goals in a single match since June 2025. South Africa, on the other hand, has struggled with goalscoring, managing no more than one goal in a match during their recent streak, with their win over South Korea being their only victory in their last seven matches.
Despite the challenges, South Africa‘s minister of sport, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly predicted a 3-0 victory for Bafana Bafana. Tajon Buchanan acknowledged this, stating that it is natural for the minister to want his country to perform well and win, just as the Canadian team desires the same outcome.
The predicted lineup for South Africa (4-2-3-1) includes Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena, Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa. Canada‘s predicted lineup (4-4-2) features Crépeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Choinière, Ahmed; David, Larin.
The match is set to begin at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 28.
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Source: si.com
