For the first time in the history of men’s World Cup soccer, both Canada and South Africa have advanced past the group stage. Their Round of 32 matchup will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday, June 28 at 3 p.m. ET. This is not just another elimination game—it marks a watershed moment for both nations, as neither has ever reached the knockout round before. The stakes are immense, and the significance for Canadian soccer fans, in particular, cannot be overstated.

Canada entered Group B as one of the co-hosts and finished second after a rollercoaster group stage. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then stunned the world with a 6-0 victory over Qatar, highlighted by Jonathan David’s hat-trick. However, they fell 2-1 to Switzerland in their final match, ending their bid to win the group. Despite the loss, their overall performance was historic: eight goals scored in three games, their first-ever group stage win, and their first knockout appearance. The Qatar win came with a painful cost, as midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

South Africa’s path was far more difficult. They began with a 2-0 loss to Mexico, in which two players received red cards, making an early exit seem inevitable. Yet, they regrouped, drew with Czechia, and then delivered the moment that would define their campaign. In a dramatic finish, Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute against South Korea, lifting South Africa above their opponents and into the knockout stage for the first time ever. Their journey was a testament to resilience and tactical discipline under pressure.

The following table compares key details about both teams ahead of this historic clash:

One of the most critical developments for Canada is the return of Alphonso Davies. Coach Jesse Marsch confirmed that Davies, the Bayern Munich left-back, is now fit to play after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during a Champions League semifinal in early May. Davies had been used as a decoy against Switzerland—dressed and made available to make the opposition worry, even though Marsch had no intention of playing him. His return significantly boosts Canada’s attacking options, especially on the left flank, where his speed and dribbling can exploit weaknesses in South Africa’s buildup play.

For Canada, this match represents more than just a single game. The nation has participated in only two World Cups in its history—1986 and 2022—and has never won a knockout match. A victory against South Africa would be the most significant result in Canadian men’s soccer history. Captain Stephen Eustáquio captured the team’s mindset after the Switzerland loss: “That’s a good sign, that fact that we are sad and mad about this result. We’re ready for whatever’s next.” That “whatever’s next” is now South Africa.

The match will be broadcast live on TSN and CTV in Canada, with kickoff at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. This is a game that every Canadian soccer fan should not miss, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s soccer history. Whether it leads to a lasting legacy or a brief but memorable moment, the clash between Canada and South Africa will be remembered as the first-ever knockout game in men’s World Cup history for both countries.

Don’t forget to tune in to CTV News for updates and analysis as the tournament unfolds. The road to glory has officially begun.