Canada’s players take part in a training session in Carson. (AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Co-hosts Canada will play their first FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout match outside home soil today when they face South Africa in the tournament’s opening Round of 32 clash, with both nations chasing another slice of history at Los Angeles Stadium.
Having reached the knockout stage for the first time, Canada arrive with confidence after an encouraging Group B campaign under Jesse Marsch, who believes his side’s spirit has carried them to a landmark moment.
“I know our team has heart, right? But I know that we have a group that will give everything to every moment,” Marsch said after guiding Canada into the last 32.
The former Leeds United manager admitted leaving home support behind would be different but said his players were determined to keep their momentum alive.
“It’s been awesome, and that’s the disappointment, we just want to continue the energy that’s taken place here in Canada,” he said.
Canada finished runners-up behind Switzerland after opening with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, crushing Qatar 6-0 before falling to the Swiss in their final group match. Cyle Larin’s equaliser against Bosnia and Herzegovina earned Canada their first World Cup point, while Jonathan David’s hat-trick inspired the emphatic win over Qatar.
Marsch expects another stern examination against a South African side that impressed him during the group stage, sealing their knockout stage spot after beating Asian giants Republic of Korea.
“If you watched the game, many people were expecting Korea to dominate that game, it was actually the other way around,” Marsch said.
“You see South Africa as a team that’s physical, that in open spaces is very athletic and has a belief now in what they’re doing.
“They earned that result. They were the better team and are going to give us a big challenge.”
Canada continue to cope without star left-back Alphonso Davies, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury and is yet to feature at the tournament. Midfielder Ismael Kone has also been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a broken leg against Qatar.
South Africa, meanwhile, have scripted one of the tournament’s finest recoveries. After losing 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in their opener, Hugo Broos’ side rescued a draw against Czechia before defeating Republic of Korea 1-0 to clinch second place in Group A and secure their maiden appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds.
Winger Tshepang Moremi, whose cross created the decisive goal against Republic of Korea, believes Bafana Bafana are ready for another milestone.
“I feel incredibly proud and blessed. We’ve made history. It wasn’t easy, but I’m thrilled we pulled it off,” Moremi told FIFA.
“Our focus now turns to winning the next match; we know we can do it.”
South Africa will again be without experienced attacker Themba Zwane after losing an appeal against the extension of his suspension to three matches following his red card against Mexico. However, midfielder Teboho Mokoena returns after serving a one-match ban.
The teams have met only once before, with South Africa winning a 2007 friendly 2-0. The winners of the clash will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16.
