The Canadian men's national soccer team will compete in its first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout phase match on Sunday, June 28, 2026, facing South Africa in a Round of 32 elimination game at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Canada reached this milestone after finishing second in Group B with four points, following a victory over Qatar, a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, and a loss to Switzerland.
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South Africa secured its spot by placing second in Group A, highlighted by a surprising win over South Korea.
Davies Returns to Boost Canada
Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed that team captain Alphonso Davies has fully recovered from a hamstring injury and is available for selection.
Davies had missed all three group-stage games while undergoing rehabilitation.
The return of the Bayern Munich left-back provides a significant tactical advantage for the team, according to statements made by the coaching staff on Saturday.
"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," said Marsch.
Davies expressed the difficulty of watching his teammates from the sidelines during the group stage of the tournament on home soil.
"Obviously it was painful. The only thing you want to do is play football.
That's what I'm really passionate about," said Davies.
The defender revealed he had actively pushed to get onto the field during the final group-stage match against Switzerland.
