Canada and South Africa will meet in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 after both nations reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
South Africa secured their place in the knockout rounds with a 1-0 victory over South Korea, while Canada advanced from Group B despite finishing behind Switzerland.
The historic matchup will see two teams making their World Cup knockout-stage debuts go head-to-head in Los Angeles on June 28, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.
For both nations, the fixture represents a landmark moment, as neither side had previously progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup. The winner will continue their dream run and move one step closer to the quarter-finals.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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