Canada will face South Africa in a historic World Cup Round of 32 match on Sunday, June 28, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
It is the first time the Canadian men's national team has reached the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup.
Canada advanced despite a 2-1 group-stage loss to Switzerland in Vancouver. South Africa, ranked 60th in the world, secured its spot by upsetting South Korea 1-0.
Approximately 4,000 Canadian fans have purchased tickets for the match. National fan festivals will broadcast the game across the country.
Davies Declared Fit to Play
Head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed that captain Alphonso Davies is available after recovering from a series of hamstring strains.
Marsch admitted he used the Bayern Munich left back as a decoy during the group stage.
“Now that we have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it's a big moment for the team and a big boost for the team,” Marsch said.
Marsch explained that all players entering camp with minor injuries are nearing full fitness.
He declined to confirm whether Davies would start or specify his position against South Africa's physical transition game.
“Physically in transition and around the goal, being very decisive and athletic and powerful.
So those are things that we usually are equipped with, and so that will challenge our ability to manage that,” Marsch said.
The coach noted that the technical staff managed Davies' recovery alongside personal trainer Matthias Blankenburg. He compared elite athletes to high-performance vehicles.
“You need to really maintain them and make sure you meet all the criteria before you let them go and express themselves fully,” Marsch said.
Marsch stated that protecting Davies' long-term professional health remained the priority throughout the internal return-to-play process.
“For me to go tell our best player, and a guy that is a huge piece of everything that we do, that we have to wait, was also painful,” Marsch said.
The manager added that the final preparation plan succeeded in establishing a strong foundation for the player's physical and mental readiness.
“What I told him is that I want him to go on the field and be free,” Marsch said.
Marsch reiterated that Canada Soccer and Bayern Munich worked collaboratively with open communication regarding the recovery timeline.
“We've worked together for what we think is best for Alphonso,” Marsch said.
He highlighted Davies' explosive transitional qualities and overall footballing capabilities.
“He is a great asset for us, because he is an incredible talent. He is very explosive in transitional moments.
He is also a good soccer player,” Marsch said.
Marsch Praises South Africa's Intensity
Marsch concluded his pre-match analysis by praising the resilience and intensity of the upcoming opposition.
“We're expecting South Africa to be very intensive, to have a fast start, to be excited and spirited for this match,” Marsch said.
The coach acknowledged that South Africa adapted effectively throughout the group phase to earn its progression.
“[South Africa] stayed strong in the tournament and found a way to get better as they've gone on,” Marsch said.
Davies expressed excitement about returning to SoFi Stadium, the site of his March 2025 ACL injury. He recounted his desire to feature in earlier tournament games.
“Obviously, it was painful,” Davies said.
The captain emphasized that missing the group stage matches held on Canadian home soil in Toronto and Vancouver amplified his frustration.
“The only thing you want to do is play football,” Davies said.
Davies detailed how he directly requested match minutes from Marsch prior to Wednesday's game against Switzerland before accepting the manager's cautious stance.
“Obviously, it was painful. The only thing you want to do is play football.
That's what I'm really passionate about. The first game, watching it, I was eager to be on the pitch.
Second game, even more so.
The third game, I went to him before the game and asked him, ‘Do you think I can get a couple of minutes?’
He could have said, ‘Yeah, we'll just throw you in there,' but obviously he cares about me and the team as human beings as well, so he sat me down ...
and I thought about it, and I said, ‘He's right.' It was kind of hard to hear,” Davies said.
The wingback confirmed that national team staff and club executives established a functional communication structure regarding his fitness protocols.
“There's been good communication on both sides and open communication,” Davies said.
Davies noted that returning to the Inglewood venue offered an opportunity to overcome the injury setback he sustained there a year prior.
“Could have happened anywhere. Coming back to the stadium, I get to finish something I started a year ago in March.
I really enjoy playing in this stadium. The first time, it was beautiful.
It was cut short, but that happens. It's football,” Davies said.
South Africa Seeks Miracle
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos, whose squad features domestic league players who overcame an opening loss to Mexico, characterized a potential victory over Canada as an extraordinary achievement.
“If we access the next round, it will be a true miracle for the Bafana Bafana,” Broos said.
The Belgian manager stated that while reaching the Round of 32 fulfilled the country's initial aspirations, the squad remains ambitious to advance further.
“This World Cup is already a success for us. Everyone hoped for the round of 16.
Here we are, but that does not mean we are satisfied. Once you reach this stage, you want more,” Broos said.
Broos highlighted the potential national impact of extending South Africa's historic tournament run.
“Everyone wants to win again.
It's already historic, but can you imagine what it would be like if we passed to the next round?”
Broos said.
South African defender Ime Okon stated that the players drew motivation from watching media footage of home fan celebrations following their qualification.
“It's a historic moment for our country. We are really delighted and enthusiastic.
We have an exceptional group. We just want to see how far we can go,” Okon said.
Canadian supporter Nabi Zadeh expressed immense national pride during public fan celebrations following the preliminary round matches.
“You are watching Canadian history actually being moved in soccer, so it's really exciting,” Zadeh said.
Zadeh emphasized that Canada's ongoing hosting duties and performance milestones create continuous excitement for local soccer enthusiasts.
“Canada is making history. Every game, every moment, it's new,” Zadeh said.
The winner of this elimination match will advance directly to the World Cup round-of-16 phase.
