A historic match is next for Jesse Marsch and Les Rouges tomorrow afternoon.

The Canadian Men's National Team take on South Africa in the first-ever World Cup knockout game for both nations.

Here's everything you need to know heading into this one in Los Angeles.

How Canada come into the match

It was a decent group stage campaign for the Canadians, as a win, a draw, and a loss saw them qualify to the Round of 32 as the second-best side in Group B.

In their most recent outing, they narrowly fell to Switzerland by a 2-1 scoreline in Vancouver, which means Canada will not play in their own country for the remainder of their campaign.

They got their first win, and now they have their first knockout game tomorrow, but can they grab a first knockout stage win?

How South Africa come into the match

After a terrible showing in a 2-0 defeat to Mexico on opening day, many had already written off this South Africa side, but a 1-1 draw against Czechia gave them some belief heading into the final match.

That game against South Korea was historic, as a second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko qualified South Africa for the Round of 32 as the second-placed side.

They make their knockout stage debut as well, so can the Bafana Bafana continue to shock the world and take down a promising Les Rouges side?

Head-to-head

Surprisingly, these two nations have met before, and it came all the way back in 2007.

South Africa would take a 2-0 win thanks to a first-half brace from Teko Modise, as the game also saw Paul Stalteri of Canada being shown a red card.

Players to watch

Someone who has been turning heads at this World Cup has been 20-year-old centerback Luc De Fougerolles, as the young Canadian has been one of Canada's best players through the opening three games. He had some excellent moments against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was alive in the win over Qatar despite the defence being tested rarely. While the defence did struggle against Switzerland, De Fougerolles still had a decent performance, which included a beautiful long pass to Nathan Saliba, who assisted Promise David. He's gonna be put to the test on a huge stage, but little suggests that the Fulham defender will struggle due to his excellent performances.

From one 20-year-old centerback to another, South Africa has a gem of their own, and his name is Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Currently playing for the Chicago Fire in the MLS, Mbokazi has been putting in some excellent shifts for the Bafana Bafana. After an alright performance against Mexico, he redeemed himself against Czechia, making 11 defensive contributions and 10 clearances, with eight coming in the air. He was even better against South Korea, seeing Mbokazi make 15 defensive contributions and 12 clearances, five of them with his head. Jonathan David and Cyle Larin will have a tough time if Mbokazi continues to bring his A-game again.

Availability

For Les Rouges, Ismaël Koné will remain out due to his broken leg injury. Alfie Jones remains in contention to play, depending on Canada's progress, while Moïse Bombito seems ready to start this one. The big question is still on Alphonso Davies and his status, as several reports indicate Davies will be fit to start from the bench, but it's still unknown for now.

South Africa currently does not have any reported injuries, but midfielder Themba Zwane is suspended and out for this game, as he serves the final match of his 3-game suspension for a red card against Mexico.

Projected XIs

TrueNorthFoot projects a couple of changes for Canada, while South Africa is projected to name an unchanged eleven.

Canada (4-4-2): Maxime Crépeau; Richie Laryea, Moïse Bombito, Luc de Fougerolles, Alistair Johnston; Ali Ahmed, Stephen Eustáquio (c), Nathan Saliba, Tajon Buchanan; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin

South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams (c); Aubrey Modiba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Khuliso Mudau; Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha; Oswin Appollis, Relobohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko; Evidence Makgopa

Game information and how to watch

📆 Sunday, June 28, 2026
⏰ 12:00 pm PT / 1:00 pm PT / 2:00 pm CT / 3:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm AT
📺 TSN, RDS, CTV
👤 João Pinheiro (Portugal)
🏟 Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, United States