🏟️ When and Where

South Africa and Canada will face off on Sunday, June 28, in the opening match of the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be played at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT, with Portuguese referee João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro in charge of officiating the match.

📺 How and Where to Watch South Africa vs Canada

beIN SPORTS will once again serve as an official broadcaster of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the excitement of the tournament to audiences across France and the MENA region with full coverage, analysis, news, and the biggest matches from the world’s most important football event.

Click here to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS Connect

If you are outside these regions, here is the complete list of official broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the world.

🇿🇦 South Africa's Preview

South Africa reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group A with four points. Bafana Bafana opened the tournament with a defeat against Mexico in the opening match before earning a draw against the Czech Republic.

Everything came down to the final group-stage match, where Hugo Broos' side secured a crucial 1-0 victory over South Korea to book its place in the Round of 32.

Although South Africa has not always been the most convincing team throughout the tournament, it has consistently found ways to stay competitive. Now, Bafana Bafana will look to continue making history by reaching the Round of 16.

🇨🇦 Canada's Preview

Canada also advanced as the runner-up in its group, finishing second in Group B. The Maple Leafs opened the tournament with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before producing one of the most dominant performances of the group stage with a stunning 6-0 victory over Qatar.

A defeat against Switzerland in the final group match denied Canada the chance to finish atop the group, but it was still enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Now the Canadians will try to take another step forward and continue what has already been one of their best World Cup campaigns in recent memory.

⭐ Players to Watch

🇿🇦 Lyle Foster

Lyle Foster remains South Africa's biggest attacking threat and the player most capable of changing a match with a single moment of quality. The Burnley striker has been the focal point of Bafana Bafana's attack throughout the tournament.

If South Africa hopes to continue making history at this World Cup, much of that dream will depend on Foster's ability to create chances and deliver in front of goal.

🇨🇦 Jonathan David

Jonathan David enters the knockout stage under considerable pressure. The Juventus striker has shown flashes of his quality but has yet to consistently deliver the performances Canada needs on the biggest stage.

If the Maple Leafs are going to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their history, David will need to elevate his game and become the offensive leader everyone expects him to be.

🎯 Final Analysis

Most sportsbooks favor Canada heading into this Round of 32 clash, partly because the match is being played in the United States, where the Canadians are expected to enjoy a more familiar environment, and partly because they have looked more convincing throughout the tournament.

South Africa, meanwhile, arrives with several question marks. While Bafana Bafana successfully finished second in Group A, they have not always played attractive football. Even so, knockout matches often reward disciplined and organized teams, meaning Canada should expect a far more difficult challenge than the odds might suggest.

Follow all the action from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube