South Africa Face Co-host Canada After Reaching Their First World Cup Round Of 32

South Africa face co-host Canada after reaching their first World Cup Round of 32

June 28, 2026
Alie Bittar @bittar32

For the first time, South Africa has advanced to the knockout rounds of the World Cup. In their last three appearances, the Bafana Bafana were eliminated during the group stage.

Sixteen years ago, Siphiwe Tshabalala’s first goal against Mexico was hailed by a pundit as a goal for all of Africa. But it turned out to be a misplaced hope.

Though they tied Mexico 1-1 and defeated France in their final game, the team was ousted on goal difference. South Africa missed a fantastic chance as first World Cup host to not make it from the group stage.

South African football has suffered since the 2010 competition. Cape Town writer Mark Gleeson said that domestic football has been a little bit sluggish following 2010, particularly given the economic crisis. He pointed out that regional football lacks sponsors and readily available cash.

In these challenging times, South Africa returned to the World Cup this year after missing the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2012, 2017, and 2021. But their national team and local football are both exhibiting signs of growth.

Mamelodi Sundowns took home the African club championship in 2016 and, following second place last year, earned their second continental title in May.

Gleeson remarked that the country has greatly benefited from the national team’s World Cup qualification and Sundowns’ victory in the African Champions League. Perhaps 16 years after it should have been, he hopes this signals a new beginning for South African football.

Canada is the only co-host of the World Cup that will compete in a knockout round match outside of its own borders. While the United States will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco and Mexico will go up against a third-place team at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Jesse Marsch’s team must journey to California to play at SoFi Stadium.

South Africa vs. Canada

Sunday, June 28 | Inglewood, California | Los Angeles Stadium