How And Where To Watch: South Africa vs Canada in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Africa and Canada will face off on Sunday, June 28, in the opening match of the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that promises to be one of the most exciting editions in history. This high-stakes matchup will be played at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, California, a venue that has already hosted several memorable matches in the past. The match will kick off at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT, with Portuguese referee João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro in charge of officiating the match.

beIN SPORTS will once again serve as an official broadcaster of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the excitement of the tournament to audiences across France and the MENA region with full coverage, analysis, news, and the biggest matches from the world’s most important football event. For those outside these regions, here is the complete list of official broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the world. BeIN SPORTS will provide in-depth analysis and expert commentary, making it an essential channel to watch the tournament.

South Africa reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group A with four points, a remarkable achievement considering the team's tough fixtures. Bafana Bafana opened the tournament with a defeat against Mexico in the opening match, but they bounced back with a draw against the Czech Republic. Everything came down to the final group-stage match, where Hugo Broos' side secured a crucial 1-0 victory over South Korea to book its place in the Round of 32.

Despite not always playing attractive football, South Africa has consistently found ways to stay competitive throughout the tournament. Now, Bafana Bafana will look to continue making history by reaching the Round of 16. With Lyle Foster leading the attack, South Africa will be hoping to replicate their 2010 World Cup success, where they reached the final against Spain.

Canada also advanced as the runner-up in its group, finishing second in Group B. The Maple Leafs opened the tournament with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before producing one of the most dominant performances of the group stage with a stunning 6-0 victory over Qatar. A defeat against Switzerland in the final group match denied Canada the chance to finish atop the group, but it was still enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Now the Canadians will try to take another step forward and continue what has already been one of their best World Cup campaigns in recent memory. Led by coach John Herdman, Canada will be hoping to replicate their 2022 performance, where they reached the quarterfinals. Jonathan David, the team's star striker, will be hoping to silence his critics and deliver on the biggest stage.

Ahead of this crucial match, most sportsbooks favor Canada, partly because the match is being played in the United States, where the Canadians are expected to enjoy a more familiar environment, and partly because they have looked more convincing throughout the tournament. South Africa, meanwhile, arrives with several question marks. While Bafana Bafana successfully finished second in Group A, they have not always played attractive football. Even so, knockout matches often reward disciplined and organized teams, meaning Canada should expect a far more difficult challenge than the odds might suggest.

The key to this match will be how both teams adapt to the high-intensity pressure of the knockout stage. South Africa's Lyle Foster will be the player to watch, as he continues to be the focal point of Bafana Bafana's attack. Canada's Jonathan David, on the other hand, will need to rise to the occasion and become the offensive leader everyone expects him to be. The outcome of this match will depend on several factors, including team cohesion, game strategy, and individual performances.

With the stakes high and the crowd expecting a thrilling match, both teams will need to be at their best to secure a spot in the next round. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both sides eager to make a statement in the tournament. BeIN SPORTS will provide full coverage of the match, including expert analysis and live commentary. Don't miss this must-watch match, as South Africa and Canada clash in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.