By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in a historic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
This monumental elimination game for both countries will kick-off at 21:00 SA Time (CAT).
Bafana Bafana left-wing back Aubrey Modiba is confident that they can upset Canada.
Hugo Broos side reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 for the first time after defeating South Korea in their final Group A match.
The Canadians suffered a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group match, which relegated the co-hosts to the runners-up position.
“They’ve been doing great and we’re not taking anything for granted,” he told ESPN. “You can’t take any team here for granted to be honest, there have been a lot of upsets.
“We’re going to watch their games and we’re going to prepare accordingly for that match. Hopefully we can win again and progress to the next round, but it will be a tough game. It will be like they are playing at home.”
For the first time in history, a World Cup host will play a match outside their country when the two teams meet in Inglewood, with Canada’s defeat by Switzerland denying them the chance of playing the next two rounds – potentially – in Vancouver.
“[We’re] not really [equals],” Modiba continued. “They’re above us in the rankings and playing at home, so like I said, we’re going to respect them.
“However, we will put up a fight like we always do, and hopefully we can match them on the day. Anything can happen.”
Canada are ranked 31st in the world – compared to South Africa in 54 after Wednesday’s win.
“There’s nothing stopping us from showing this side of our game more consistently,” Modiba concluded. “We know that when we fight, we can match any team because we have the quality.
Meanwhile Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has pledged a R5 million incentive for every match Bafana Bafana wins at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I am committing to you guys, for every game that we win, we will give you R5 million. If you are going to win the next game against Canada, you will have R10 million. If you win the other game against Morocco, you will have R15 million,” McKenzie said.
The minister also said he would engage the private sector to secure additional sponsorship for the national team as it continues its World Cup campaign.
Probable lineups for South Africa vs Canada
South Africa expected lineup: Williams, Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba, Mokoena, Sithole, Maseko, Mafokeng, Appollis, Makgopa
Canada expected lineup: Crepeau, Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea, Buchanan, Saliba, Choiniere, Ahmed, David, Larin.