The first qualifying match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place this Sunday, June 28, marking the beginning of the decisive phase where each defeat means immediate elimination. The opening clash of this stage will be between the teams of Canada and South Africa, a milestone for both, as they reach this unprecedented stage in their history in the tournament, reflecting the new opportunities of an expanded format. The South Africans secured their place in an unprecedented way, finishing Group A in second place with four points, after beating South Korea 1-0, with a crucial goal from Thapelo Maseko. The team coached by Hugo Broos, after an unstable start against Mexico, demonstrated greater consistency and a more offensive tactical approach.

For the first time in its history, Canada will also participate in a World Cup knockout match. The host team advanced as second in Group B, and although they are seen as favorites, they face challenges with injured athletes. Ismaël Koné is sidelined with a broken leg, and other important names such as Stephen Eustáquio, Moïse Bombito and Alphonso Davies are under medical observation. The main bets in the Canadian attack are Jonathan David, the quick Tajon Buchanan and the center forwards Tani Oluwaseyi or Cyle Larin.

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Game broadcast details between South Africa and Canada

The match between South Africa and Canada is scheduled for this Sunday, the 28th, at 4pm (Brasília time), as part of the second phase of the 2026 World Cup. The match will be held at the Los Angeles stadium, in the United States, and fans will be able to follow the exclusive broadcast on CazéTV.

Expected lineups for the knockout clash

For South Africa, the likely starting lineup will feature Ronwen Williams in goal; Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thabo Moloisane and Aubrey Modiba in defense; Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole in midfield; and Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis in support of the attack, with Evidence Makgopa as center forward. The team’s coach is Hugo Broos.

The Canadian team is expected to take the field with Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea forming the defensive line; Nathan Saliba and Stephen Eustáquio in the midfield sector; and Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David and Liam Millar supporting the attack, with Tani Oluwaseyi up front. Jesse Marsch leads the Canadian team.

Bookmaker odds for South Africa and Canada

The main bookmakers have already released their odds for the final result of the game. At Betano, South Africa’s victory is priced at 5.20, the draw at 3.45 and Canada’s triumph at 1.75. At Bet365, the odds are 5.25 for South Africa to win, 3.60 for a draw and 1.70 for a Canadian victory.

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Complete bracket and upcoming knockout matches

The path to the World Cup final has already been mapped out with the complete definition of the knockout bracket. After the end of the first phase, a total of 32 teams continue to compete for the world trophy, in a tournament with a venue shared between Mexico, Canada and the United States. The Brazilian team, for example, will face Japan in the round of 16 (16th round), in a match scheduled for next Monday, the 29th, at 2pm (Brasília time), at the Houston stadium, located in the USA.

From this Sunday, the 29th, all disputes become decisive: the team that is defeated will be automatically disqualified. In situations of a draw at the end of regulation time, the match will go into extra time, consisting of two additional periods of 15 minutes each. If equality persists after extra time, the winner will be determined through penalty kicks, initially with five for each side and, if necessary, alternated.

The grand final event of the World Cup is scheduled to take place on July 19th, starting at 4pm, in the modern stadium in New York and New Jersey, also in the United States.

Complete World Cup round of 16 matches

• Germany x Paraguay
• France x Sweden
• South Africa vs Canada
• Netherlands x Morocco
• Portugal x Croatia
• Spain x Austria
• United States x Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Belgium x Senegal
• Brazil x Japan
• Ivory Coast x Norway
• Mexico x Ecuador
• England x DR Congo
• Argentina x Cape Verde
• Australia x Egypt