See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JAKE FENNER, US SPORTS WRITER and DANIEL MATTHEWS IN LOS ANGELES Updated: 18:26 BST, 28 June 2026
Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage as the knockout stages of the World Cup get underway in Los Angeles, with Canada taking on South Africa for a spot in the last 16...South Africa has arrived for the matchAs is tradition, the players have all walked in together dancing and singing. It's one of the absolute joys of this World Cup to watch them.South Africa, meanwhile, will be without advanced midfielder Themba ZwaneZwane is on the last game of a three-match suspension for swinging his arm and hitting the head of Mexico's Roberto Alvarado in the opening match of the tournament.Despite Davies' return, three others are injuredWe start off wishing a speedy recovery to Ismael Kone for that horror tackle he experienced at the hands of Qatar in the second group stage game.In addition to him, midfield lynchpin Stephen Eustaquio is listed as 'doubtful' to play in today's match while center back Alfie Jones is dealing with a thigh injury.Alphonso Davies is expected to make his first appearance at this World CupDavies has missed every game so far for Canada due to a hamstring strain.However, in a press conference, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed, 'We have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform.'The last time Canada played in this building...The Canadians beat the United States in the third-place game of the CONCACAF Nations League.However, that game saw them lose star man and captain Alphonso Davies to an ACL tear that would force the Bayern Munich fullback to miss a combined 39 matches for club and country.Up first: Host nation Canada takes on South Africa in Los AngelesCanada had a path laid out for them to play their Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches in Vancouver if they won Group B.Instead, they lost 2-1 to Switzerland and now play their first game of this World Cup on American soil.Good afternoon and welcome to the Daily Mail's live coverage of World Cup Round of 32 actionAfter an incredible two weeks of group stage action, we have now finally arrived at the knockout stages for what is setting up to be an all-time World Cup finals
