South Africa's Mbekezeli Mbokazi during the warm up before the match
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Co-hosts Canada and South Africa both make World Cup history as they meet in the opening game of the knockout round. Neither nation has ever reached this stage of international football’s showpiece event and they could not have asked for a grander stage than the spectacular SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout schedule | Read more South Africa are one of nine African sides to have reached the last 32, making the continent the major beneficiary of the expanded 48-team format. The team has restored key midfielder Teboho Mokoena to the lineup after suspension ruled him out of their last match against South Korea in Monterrey. He is the only change and comes in for defensive midfielder Thalente Mbatha.Canada make four changes with Moise Bombito in for Luc De Fougerolles at centre back while Stephen Eustaquio has recovered from injury and replaces Mathieu Choiniere in midfield.Follow LIVE updates hereJune 29, 2026 00:46 16:06 MissAttempt missed. Jonathan David (Canada) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Stephen Eustaquio with a cross following a corner.cornerJune 29, 2026 00:46 15:14 CornerCorner, Canada. Conceded by Yaya Sithole.June 29, 2026 00:45 14:25 Contentious Referee DecisionsVAR Decision: Other Decision Cancelled.free kickJune 29, 2026 00:42 12:03 Free Kick WonThapelo Maseko (South Africa) wins a free kick in the defensive half.free kickJune 29, 2026 00:42 12:03 Free Kick LostFoul by Richie Laryea (Canada).free kickJune 29, 2026 00:40 9:26 Free Kick WonRelebohile Mofokeng (South Africa) wins a free kick in the defensive half.free kickJune 29, 2026 00:40 9:26 Free Kick LostFoul by Nathan Saliba (Canada).cornerJune 29, 2026 00:39 8:38 CornerCorner, Canada. Conceded by Thapelo Maseko.June 29, 2026 00:37 6:20 MissAttempt missed. Stephen Eustaquio (Canada) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.June 29, 2026 00:37 5:34 Attempt SavedAttempt saved. Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Maxime Crépeau (Canada). Assisted by Relebohile Mofokeng.free kickJune 29, 2026 00:35 3:56 Free Kick LostFoul by Tajon Buchanan (Canada).free kickJune 29, 2026 00:34 3:56 Free Kick WonAubrey Modiba (South Africa) wins a free kick in the defensive half.June 29, 2026 00:30 First half StartFirst Half begins.June 28, 2026 23:06 LineupLineups are announced and players are warming up. Published - June 29, 2026 12:10 am IST
