- South Africa vs Canada lineups: Bafana Bafana and co-hosts Canada face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.
- The match will be played at Los Angeles Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 10:00 pm EAT.
- Hugo Broos has named South Africa in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, while Jesse Marsch has opted for an aggressive 4-4-2 setup for Canada.
Co-hosts Canada take on South Africa tonight at Los Angeles Stadium as both sides kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
History will be made tonight, with both nations reaching the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Canada were drawn in Group B, where they finished runners-up on four points after thrashing Qatar 6-0.
They were then held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovinabefore losing to group leaders Switzerland, a result that denied them the opportunity to play this Round of 32 fixture in front of their home fans.
READ MORE ON THIS GAME: South Africa vs Canada prediction: World Cup Round of 32 preview, team news, lineups & h2h
South Africa’s fairy-tale journey has been even more fascinating. They began their campaign in Group A with a 2-0 defeat to cohosts Mexico before drawing 1-1 against the Czech Republic.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Bafana Bafana edged South Korea 1-0 thanks to a narrow victory that proved decisive, securing second place with four points.
This will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations, having previously faced each other only once in a friendly in 2007, which Bafana Bafana won. The stakes could not be higher, with the winner booking a place in the Round of 16 to face either the Netherlands or Morocco.
Official South Africa vs Canada lineups
Manager Hugo Broos has set up South Africa in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, built around fluid passing and dynamic wing play.
However, he could also opt for a more cautious approach, sitting deeper and looking to strike on the counterattack.
Ronwen Williams, who kept two clean sheets during the group stage, starts in goal behind a back four of Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Aubrey Modiba.
The biggest boost for Bafana Bafana is the return of star midfielder Teboho Mokoena from suspension, with the midfielder partnering Yaya Sithole at the base of midfield.
Further forward, Thapelo Maseko, who scored the winner against South Korea, joins Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis in supporting central striker Evidence Makgopa.
However, South Africa will be without veteran playmaker Themba Zwane, who remains suspended following his red card earlier in the tournament.
- South Africa starting lineup: Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Teboho Mokoena, Yaya Sithole, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Evidence Makgopa
- South Africa substitutes: Olwethu Makhanya, Sipho Chaine, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha, Ricardo Goss, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thabang Matuludi, Samukele Kabini, Jayden Adams, Bradley Cross, Khulumani Ndamane
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On the other side, Jesse Marsch has deployed Canada in an aggressive, high-intensity 4-4-2 system designed to overwhelm opponents with relentless vertical pressing.
Maxime Crepeau starts between the posts, shielded by a defensive unit of Alistair Johnston, Moïse Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Richie Laryea.
The midfield features Tajon Buchanan, Nathan Saliba, captain Stephen Eustaquio, and Liam Millar, while Jonathan David partners Tani Oluwaseyi in attack.
Canada will be without influential midfielder Ismael Kone due to a fractured tibia, but they receive a significant boost with superstar Alphonso Davies fit enough to return to the matchday squad after recovering from injury.
- Canada starting lineup: Maxime Crépeau, Richie Laryea, Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Moïse Bombito, Liam Millar, Nathan Saliba, Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi
- Canada substitutes: Luc De Fougerolles, Cyle Larin, Alfie Jones, Jayden Nelson, Dayne St. Clair, Owen Goodman, Mathieu Choinière, Jacob Shaffelburg, Promise David, Joel Waterman, Alphonso Davies, Ali Ahmed, Niko Sigur, Jonathan Osorio
The contest could ultimately hinge on how effectively South Africa’s defence copes with Canada’s relentless press and which team capitalises on the key absences in midfield.
Where to watch South Africa vs Canada in Kenya
In Kenya, you can catch the crucial Round of 32 World Cup clash between South Africa vs Canada live on SuperSport International (via DStv Channel 222) or on Azam TV Kenya through Azam Sports 2 HD and Azam Sports 4 HD.
Since the match kicks off at exactly 10pm East African Time (EAT), local football fans can also enjoy the action for free on the national broadcaster KBC Channel 1 and SportyTV, both airing the game free-to-air across their digital and television platforms.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026