South Africa's Projected Lineup vs. Canada in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32

Bafana Bafana have a golden opportunity in Los Angeles as they battle Canada for a place in the Round of 16.

South Africa have a golden opportunity at the FIFA World Cup 2026, taking on co-hosts Canada this Sunday in the Round of 32 at Los Angeles Stadium.

With a chance to make history, here's the lineup Belgian head coach Hugo Broos is expected to field.

THE NAMES

Ahead of the biggest match in the nation's football history—having reached the knockout stage for the first time in four FIFA World Cup appearances—South Africa are expected to rely on their strongest available squad.

Ronwen Williams is set to start in goal. After a difficult tournament opener against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, the captain has bounced back impressively, producing six saves and consecutive clean sheets against the Czech Republic and South Korea to help guide Bafana Bafana into the knockout rounds.

Broos is expected to stick with a 4-3-3 formation. The back four should feature center-backs Ime Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, flanked by full-backs Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau.

In midfield, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, and Teboho Mokoena are projected to start, with Mokoena returning after serving a suspension against South Korea.

Leading the attack are expected to be Thapelo Maseko, Oswin Appollis, and Iqraam Rayners.

Compared to the victory in Monterrey, Relebohile Ratomo and Evidence Makgopa are expected to drop to the bench, making way for Mokoena and Rayners, respectively.

MORE DETAILS

The only notable absentee remains Themba Zwane, who is serving the second match of a three-game suspension following his red card against Mexico.

One of the tournament's biggest surprise packages, South Africa will believe they have a genuine chance to upset Canada and continue their remarkable run. Should they advance, they would face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Morocco matchup in the Round of 16.