South Africa and Canada will travel to LA to kick off the World Cup knockout stages in their Round of 32 matchup
Both teams have advanced to this stage in second place in their groups. South Africa started slowly with a dismal 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the opening game of the competition but have progressed after snatching a point against Czechia before stunning South Korea 1-0 with an excellent performance
Co-hosts Canada missed out on top spot in Group B, and home advantage through the knockouts, thanks to a 2-1 loss against Switzerland, but Les Rouges have advanced this far thanks to a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a rampaging 6-0 annihilation of Asian champions Qatar
It’s been a tournament of firsts for both sides, with neither team having won a match at this stage before this tournament. Now having advanced to the knockout stages for the first time ever, neither team will be looking to see their journey come to a premature end
Team News
South Africa
After a disappointing display in their first match of the competition against Mexico, Bafana Bafana manager Hugo Broos changed tactics for the final game and inspired a brilliant display against South Korea
That means that despite the return of midfielder Teboho Mokoena following his suspension for yellow card accumulation, South Africa are unlikely to make any changes to their side from the last victory
The only key absentee for Broos to contend with is veteran playmaker Themba Zwane, who serves the last of a three-match ban for his opening day red card against Mexico
Canada
After missing the group stages thanks to an injury suffered just before the tournament, Canada will be desperately hoping that their captain Alphonso Davies is available to star in the knockout rounds
Jesse Marsch deceived Switzerland in the last game by indicating that the Bayern Munich star may be fit in time when that was not the case, but with the skipper headlining pre-match media duties for the first time all tournament, there is a genuine chance that Davies is available to play
Davies headlines a raft of injury concerns for CANMNT. There are question marks over key players Moise Bombito and Stephen Eustaquio, with the duo facing a race against time to be fit for the clash at LA Stadium
Meanwhile, Ismael Kone will also be out for the remainder of the tournament, after the midfielder was forced off injured against Qatar, and Middlesborough centre-half Alfie Jones is unlikely to feature in this match
Likely Lineups
South Africa
Williams; Modiba, Mbokazi, Okon, Mudau; Sithole, Mbatha; Moremi, Mofokeng, Maseko; Makgopa
Canada
Crepeau; Laryea, De Fougerolles, Bombito, Johnston; Ahmed, Saliba, Eustaquio, Buchanan; J.David, Larin
Will Williams be South Africa’s Hero Once Again?
South Africa largely owe their place in the last 16 to Ronwen Williams, as a man-of-the match display from the goalkeeper helped them to shutout South Korea
Now facing the attacking arsenal at Canada’s disposal, who have had the third most shots on target per game of any team at the tournament and currently top the expected goals table, Williams will need to be at his best to deal with the threat of Jonathan David and co
Williams has experience of helping South Africa through the big moments, having saved six penalties across three shootouts to guide his nation to third in the 2024 African Cup of Nations. If he can repeat the trick, then he may be able to guide Bafana Bafana to yet another historic moment
Will Rest of Canada’s Attack Step Up?
Despite being one of the best attacking teams at the tournament, Canada have not been potent in front of goal
Southampton striker Cyle Larin bailed Les Rouges out against Bosnia, before a Jonathan David hat-trick fired Canada past Qatar and USG centre-forward Promise David scored the goal that brought Canada back into the game against Switzerland
All bar one of Canada’s goals have been scored by strikers or opposition defenders, and stronger teams will likely be able to deal with this threat. In the absence of Alphonso Davies, Canada need their other attacking threats to step up if they are to progress through the competition
One of these is Tajon Buchanan. The Villareal winger has been solid for the Yellow Submarine since his move from Inter, scoring seven LaLiga goals last season including a rocket against Levante in one of the final games of the season
However, he has yet to get a goal contribution at this tournament
Ali Ahmed and Liam Millar of Norwich City and Hull City respectively also join the collective of creative players who have yet to make their mark on the tournament. With the pressure on, this match is the perfect opportunity for these stars to step up and reenforce that Canada’s attack is a force to be reckoned with
Match Information
When is the match?
This fixture will kick off at 20:00 GMT on Sunday 28th June
How can I watch?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, broadcasting details are currently to be confirmed, but the match will either be shown by BBC or ITV. Alternatively, VAVEL will offer comprehensive coverage during and after the match
Where is the match?
This game takes place at Los Angeles stadium in California
