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The intensity of the FIFA World Cup just got higher as Canada and South Africa kick off the knockout stage in a round of 32 match. New users on Kalshi can join the intensity and get a $10 trade bonus when they sign up with promo code FOXSPORTS.

Everything these nations hoped and played is on the line as only one nation will reach the round of 16 for the very first time in its World Cup history. 

Led by Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, Canada finished second in Group B. Now in the knockout stage, one of their best players could be available for today’s match. Alphonso Davies expected to finally make his tournament debut after missing the group stage. 

South Africa also finished second in Group A after stunning South Korea 1-0, to advance to the knockout stage. Teboho Mokoena is returning from suspension to stabilize the midfield.

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South Africa vs. Canada Odds

*Odds/Probability are subject to change*

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
Canada	71%	72¢	29¢
South Africa	29%	29¢	72¢

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How to Watch South Africa vs. Canada

• When: Sunday, June 28, 3 p.m. ET
• Where: Los Angeles
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Players to Watch in South Africa vs. Canada match

Alphonso Davies could make his tournament debut after returning from injury and being available off the bench against Switzerland. Whether he starts or comes on as a substitute, his pace and attacking ability could provide the spark Canada needs in its first-ever World Cup knockout match.

Jonathan David leads Canada’s attack after bouncing back with a hat trick against Qatar. With Canada missing key midfielder Ismaël Koné, David’s finishing and movement will be even more important against South Africa’s disciplined defense.

Teboho Mokoena returns from suspension to anchor South Africa’s midfield after missing the group finale. His defensive work and composure on the ball will be crucial if Bafana Bafana hope to frustrate Canada’s attack.

Thapelo Maseko became South Africa’s youngest World Cup goalscorer after netting the winner against South Korea to send his nation into the knockout stage. South Africa will look to the 22-year-old for another decisive moment as it chases a historic round of 16 berth.

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Canada meets South Africa in a historic round of 32 clash in Los Angeles Stadium. Both nations are in the knockout stage for the first time and only one will advance. 

New users who join Polymarket will get a $50 bonus when they use the promo code FOXSPORTS for this incredible opening match of the knockout stage.

Both nations finished second in their group, but Canada lost home-field advantage when they lost in their final group match. 

A shocking victory in South Africa’s last group match against South Korea put them in this position. Thapelo Maseko’s breakout moment and Teboho Mokoena returning from suspension will give this team the confidence to keep their run alive.

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South Africa vs. Canada Odds

*Odds/Probability are subject to change*

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
Canada	72%	72¢	19¢
South Africa	29%	29¢	72¢

More markets available on Polymarket.

How to Watch South Africa vs. Canada

• When: Sunday, June 28, 3 p.m. ET
• Where: Los Angeles
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Players to Watch in South Africa vs. Canada match

Alphonso Davies could make his tournament debut after returning from injury and being available off the bench against Switzerland. Whether he starts or comes on as a substitute, his pace and attacking ability could provide the spark Canada needs in its first-ever World Cup knockout match.

Jonathan David leads Canada’s attack after bouncing back with a hat trick against Qatar. With Canada missing key midfielder Ismaël Koné, David’s finishing and movement will be even more important against South Africa’s disciplined defense.

Teboho Mokoena returns from suspension to anchor South Africa’s midfield after missing the group finale. His defensive work and composure on the ball will be crucial if Bafana Bafana hope to frustrate Canada’s attack.

Thapelo Maseko became South Africa’s youngest World Cup goalscorer after netting the winner against South Korea to send his nation into the knockout stage. South Africa will look to the 22-year-old for another decisive moment as it chases a historic Round of 16 berth.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is over, and as I said to Zlatan on air: this is the end of the chapter, not the end of the book. We’ve still got a lot of the book to read, but this was a beefy chapter — historically beefy, with a lot of soccer but also a lot of great moments off the field.

But it’s at the end of this chapter and moving that things get real, real serious. The bracket is set, and now all 32 teams can start to dream about their path to the final.

In the spirit of that, I’ve gone ahead and filled out my bracket. Will the U.S. advance to the round of 16? Will we get a rematch of France and Argentina in the final? Let’s dive in:

The Bracket

The talent in the upper left quadrant made picking a winner nearly impossible to pick the final, but we got there with France and Colombia. I’ve been talking Colombia up since before the tournament started, so I feel I have to back them. And after their result against Portugal, I feel much better about it, but it would still be incredible for that to happen.

But even I can not confidently say Colombia will beat France, the most impressive team of the group stage, in a final scenario. First, Kylian Mbappé was the star. Then Ousmane Dembélé was the star. They’re deep, everyone’s scoring, they’re changing and there is just a wealth of talent to choose from.

How Far Will The U.S. Go?

(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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As I said before the tournament: we should win the round of 32. You win the group, and now you’re in the round of 32 against a team you should beat, which is exactly what’s happening here. Then you get into the round of 16, where we’ve always been, and we’re going to come up against a team that is on our level or some people think is better than us. And whether that’s a Senegal or a Belgium, now you’re going to have to really step up.

Then you’re in ratified air. If it ultimately ends up being Spain in that quarterfinal there … oof. That’s a hard one. That would be the moment in American soccer history if they were able to beat a team like Spain in the quarterfinals. It’s a different proposition, walking out for the round of 16 against Belgium, as opposed to walking out for a quarterfinal game against Spain.

If it’s somehow Portugal, I’ll take that all day. I would feel more confident in the U.S. going through to the semifinals in that scenario than us against someone like Spain.

World Cup Bracket Predictions

Round of 32

• Germany over Paraguay
• France over Sweden
• Canada over South Africa
• Netherlands over Morocco
• Portugal over Croatia
• Spain over Austria
• USA over Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Senegal over Belgium
• Brazil over Japan
• Norway over Ivory Coast
• Mexico over Ecuador
• England over DR Congo
• Argentina over Cape Verde
• Egypt over Australia
• Switzerland over Algeria
• Colombia over Ghana

Round of 16

• France over Germany
• Netherlands over Canada
• Spain over Portugal
• USA over Senegal
• Brazil over Norway
• Mexico over England
• Argentina over Egypt
• Colombia over Switzerland

Quarterfinals

• France over Netherlands
• Spain over USA
• Brazil over Mexico
• Colombia over Argentina

Semifinals

• France over Spain
• Colombia over Brazil

Final

Champion: France

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Seventy-two matches down, just 32 remaining, and something I’ve never quite seen before is happening. The 2026 World Cup is a true melting pot of fans, cultures and soccer adoration combined for an unforgettable group stage, and we’re not even close to done yet. 

Whether as a player for Colombia’s national team or as a broadcaster, I thought I’d seen it all. Copa América, the London Olympics, World Cups. But this tournament is special. 

Yes, we’ve had some phenomenal action on the pitch. Unbelievable goals, gravity-defying saves, awesome underdog victories and superstars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé on fire with an all-time Golden Boot race. The football gods are showering us.

But with the unique format of this World Cup — 48 teams, 16 cities, three countries — what’s happening off the pitch is just as cool. 

I’ve been all over the U.S. covering it: Los Angeles, Dallas, New York/New Jersey, Seattle, Kansas City, my home in Miami. The energy in the stadiums is unmatched, and the vibes are amazing. No wonder so many fans are going viral.

Take the USA. Los Angeles Stadium was electric for the Americans’ opening win over Paraguay. After beating Australia in Seattle, Mauricio Pochettino chanted and cheered with the crowd, comparing American fans to Argentina’s base. Everyone singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was like the fans were part of the team. 

It was incredible to see what felt like the whole country rally around the team. No doubt that’ll help grow the American game even more than we thought hosting a World Cup would. 

(Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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The 47 other fan bases have shined, too. 

Just look at Kansas and Missouri, where Argentina, the Netherlands, Algeria and England are based for the tournament. Netherlands supporters showed up big time with a massive Oranje Fanwalk in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, while La Albiceleste fans morphed Kansas City, Missouri, into the Buenos Aires of the Midwest.

Japan fans led drum-driven chants at Dallas Stadium, and their iconic post-match tradition of cleaning up stadiums is the definition of class.

Norway supporters are rowing everywhere, from up escalators to down New York subway aisles. Moroccan fans made up for smaller numbers with dazzling passion. Even Türkiye fans were LOUD loud when their team beat the U.S., despite no chance of advancing to the knockouts. 

And I can’t tell you the number of times I wished I was at a bar with all the Tartan Army as it took over Boston and Miami.

I was in Miami for Scotland-Brazil, and although there were many more Brazil fans in attendance, you never would have known with the Tartan Army’s spirit. During the Scottish national anthem, an older man basked in the moment, arms outstretched. Families of Brazil and Scotland fans hugged after the anthems, as if to say, “We’re just so happy to be here.” 

At that match, Scottish bagpipes merged with Brazilian samba, and whatever that remix was, I need it in my life. That was so freaking cool. True cultural fusion.

The blend of cultures is so heartwarming, and maybe that’s exactly what people need right now. Saturday night in Miami was particularly personal for me at the Colombia-Portugal match. Unsurprisingly, the stadium was packed with Colombia fans. Incredible. I teared up during the national anthem. 

Finally, finally, finally, I saw my team play in person and at a tournament that’s the perfect depiction of how beautiful a melting pot this country has, it all came together for me in a full-circle moment.

When I was a player, I’d often hear about cool fan moments. Sometimes, see them on TV or in real life in the stands. But we didn’t know much about the interactions outside of games. Social media changed that. We’re more connected now, we have more avenues to share our experiences, and people can’t get enough.

You could talk numbers, talk goals, make predictions and speculate over the eventual winner.

But this tournament is bridging people from all walks of life together, showing the value of community and connection. All the joy and excitement comes down to the people, and that’s the beauty of our game. 

Scattered across North America, World Cup fans are celebrating, uniting and sharing their love for the game and national pride and traditions with each other. Just when I thought our game couldn’t get any more beautiful, it did.

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The ninety minutes of regulation have been played. The thirty minutes of extra time has expired. Both teams are tied. Now what?

The two most exciting words in soccer: penalty shootout.

But what exactly is a penalty shootout, and how does it work? Here is your guide to understanding penalty shootouts at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

How Do Penalty Shootouts Work?

The two competing teams take turns taking penalty kicks from the penalty spot up to five attempts. If one team builds an insurmountable lead, the shootout ends early because the opposing team cannot mathematically catch up.

If the score is still level after both teams have taken five kicks, the shootout moves into sudden death, with attempts continuing one round at a time. If a team scores and the following team misses, the shootout ends and the scoring team wins.

When Do Penalty Shootouts Happen?

Penalty shootouts happen after both times are tied after the 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time have been exhausted. Penalty shootouts only occur after the group stage of the tournament, which includes the round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and the final.

What Is A Penalty Kick?

A penalty kick — or “PK” — is a one-on-one duel between a field player and a goalkeeper in which the field player tries to score a direct kick from the penalty spot.

How Far Is The Penalty Spot?

The penalty is 12 yards from the center of the goal line, meaning that there are just 12 yards that separate the penalty taker and the goalkeeper at the time of a penalty kick.

What Are The Rules For The Penalty Taker?

The penalty taker is given freedom to confuse the goalkeeper during their run-up to the kick so long as:

1. The penalty taker doesn’t attempt a fake kick or a “feint” while attempting to strike the ball AND
2. The penalty doesn’t make contact with the ball more than once during their attempt.

If a penalty taker makes contact with the ball more than once during their attempt and the attempt is successful, the penalty kick will be retaken. If it isn’t, it will be recorded as a miss and the shootout will resume.

What Are The Rules For The Goalkeeper?

The goalkeeper must follow three key rules during a penalty kick: face the kicker, stay between the goalposts and keep at least one foot on or over the goal line until the kick. 

If a goalkeeper leaves their line during a penalty attempt and the attempt is unsuccessful, it will be retaken. If the attempt is successful, it will result in a goal.

Additionally, goalkeepers may not touch the goalposts, crossbar or netting as an intimidation tactic. Trash-talking is also not permitted.

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Canada is moving on.

For the first time in history, the Canadian men’s national team qualified for the knockout stage of a World Cup, and then made more history by defeating South Africa in the Round of 32.

Next up for Canada is the winner of the Netherlands-Morocco game on Monday. 

That matchup will take place on July 4.

Here are the updated odds for how Canada will fare in this year’s tournament at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 28.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Team Canada — Stage of Elimination

Last 16: -320 (bet $10 to win $13.13 total)
Quarterfinals: +290 (bet $10 to win $39 total)
Semifinals: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Runner-up: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Outright winner: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)

Canada has only qualified to play in the global event three times — 1986, 2022 and now 2026. While the Canadians ended a 36-year-long drought with their appearance in 2022, it was short-lived, as they got ousted in the group stage with a record of 0-0-3. 

However, the momentum continues to build for a Canadian side that turned heads with its fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa América. 

Now, after securing the country’s first-ever men’s World Cup win, Les Rouges have a realistic chance to make a run in the tournament after qualifying for the knockout stage and defeating South Africa in the Round of 32. 

The Canadians will surely be underdogs in the Round of 16, but as is the case every World Cup, anything can happen on any given day.

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South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday after the team’s quick elimination from the World Cup drew a harsh condemnation from the country’s president, who called the coach “incapable” and ordered a complete review of the national team program.

South Korea won its opening match against the Czech Republic, then lost its next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico.

South Korea hoped it would qualify for the next round as one of the third-place teams to advance in this year’s expanded tournament. That ended when Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday.

The quick exit of a team that was expected to advance left the national team program in turmoil and drew a sharp rebuke from President Lee Jae Myung. He leveled pointed criticism at the coach.

“As a former honorary professional football club chairman and, at heart, a member of the Red Devils, I feel not just surprise but deep bewilderment at this unexpected result,” the president said.

The president criticized the national team structure and oversight, and the coach’s appointment in the first place.

“Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions determine everything. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire,” the president said.

Hong, 57, announced his resignation with an apology to Korean fans before the team left its base camp in Mexico, where South Korea had played all three of its group matches.

Hong was in his second stint with the national team. He was the coach at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when South Korea also failed to advance past the group stage.

South Korea hasn’t escaped the group stage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup in three of the last four tournaments. (Photo by Ulises RUIZ / AFP via Getty Images)

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“To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologize. Today, I’d like to announce that I will step down as the national team head coach,” Hong said.

“As the head coach, no explanation can supersede the ultimate result. I could not bring the result that our people had expected. All responsibilities are with me,” Hong said. “Today, I step down as the national team head coach. However, my heart for Korean football will remain the same. I will now support Korea national team to regain the trust and love of our people.”

South Korea is a regular at the World Cup with 11 consecutive appearances, and was a semifinalist when it was co-host of the tournament in 2002.

President Myung called for the national Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review the national team and its failures.

“I sincerely apologize to the public for the deep disappointment caused by this absurd situation. We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure this does not happen again,” Myung said.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Four days ago, 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Canada secured its spot in the knockout stage of the men’s edition of the tournament for the first time ever. Today, it played — and won — its first-ever knockout stage match.

Here is everything you might have missed from the first day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage:

Historic Result For Canada

Canada recorded its first-ever knockout stage win at a men’s World Cup with its 1-0 win over South Africa at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday. Canada is the first host nation to win a knockout stage match in regulation time since Brazil in 2014, and the first Concacaf nation to win a knockout stage as the host since Mexico in 1986.

Canada only had 45% possession in the first half, but had more than three times as many touches in their opponents’ box as South Africa (17-5). It applied 100 pressures in the attacking third against South Africa in the first half, the most of any team in the first half of a World Cup match since 2010.

South Africa vs Canada Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Eustáquio Saves The Day

(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) –>

Stephen Eustáquio was the hero for Canada on Sunday, scoring the match-winner in the second minute of stoppage time on a strike from outside the box that South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was unable to get his hands on.

Eustáquio is the third active MLS player to score a goal in a knockout round match at the World Cup, joining Landon Donovan (two) and Brian McBride. Eustáquio is also just the second player on record (since 1966) to create five or more chances from set-pieces in a knockout match at the men’s World Cup after Italy’s Andrea Pirlo against Germany in 2006.

Canada’s Stephen Eustáquio scores a goal in stoppage time to advance to Round of 16 | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Canadian Heroes

After the match, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch gave an impassioned speech to his squad of 26 players, telling them that they were all “Canadian heroes” after their historic win.

“This sport has a big future because of you guys,” Marsch told his team. “You should be so proud of who you are.”

Canada’s heroic journey continues into the round of 16, where it will play the winner of Netherlands vs. Morocco.

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In the first Round of 32 match in men’s World Cup history, Canada came out victorious with a stoppage-time goal over South Africa in Los Angeles.

It wasn’t a classic, but the Canadians – playing their first match of the tournament away from home soil – won’t care one iota. All they know is that they’re in the Round of 16 for the first time in men’s World Cup history thanks to a dramatic, late goal from their 29-year-old midfielder Stephen Eustáquio. 

The end of the first half ended with Canadian domination as it looked to push Bafana Bafana with set pieces, but South Africa kept defending with its life. There was a call for a penalty but nothing was given. The half ended with an angry Canadian side as Jesse Marsch had to calm them down before heading into the tunnel. 

The second half continued to struggle with legitimate opportunities, but South Africa definitely started to get more into the game, creating some chances of its own. 

And now, the co-hosts are in the Round of 16 for the first time in men’s World Cup history and will face the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco in Houston. 

Here are my takeaways:

1. Fonzie Is Back But This Was Eustáquio’s Day

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In the 75th minute, Canada star Alphonso Davies, who has been out injured and recovering for his national team, finally entered the pitch and made his 2026 World Cup debut. His introduction immediately sparked a fire for Canada, who had been navigating this tournament without its versatile star.

But South Africa remained disciplined off the ball, and we were seemingly destined for extra time and possibly penalties. 

That’s until the 92nd minute when Eustáquio became a Canadian hero in Los Angeles. It was a great finish from the midfielder, and it came at such a dramatic time. At the final whistle, his entire squad rallied around him to congratulate him. It’s been an emotional few years for Eustáquio as he lost both his parents in the space of a year in 2024. 

A new Canadian hero. (Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Eligible to play for Portugal, Eustáquio only committed to play for Canada back in 2019. Since then, he’s been an important figure for the Canadian side. 

Eligible to play for Portugal, Eustáquio only committed to play for Canada back in 2019. Since then, he’s been an important figure for the Concacaf side. I know exactly how it feels to lose both parents, so I am extremely happy for him, and I am sure his are looking from above smiling with pride as he scored the most important goal of his career. 

2. A Cagey Start Leads To Canadian History

After 30 minutes of action, both sides had only combined for 11 touches inside the box, per FotMob. And it didn’t grow after that. It was very cautious and apprehensive as this was a storyline of two teams not wanting to lose as opposed to gambling to win. 

Alphonso Davies returned to action. (Photo by Etienne LAURENT / AFP via Getty Images)

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I mentioned in my previous column the fact that this was uncharted waters for both as neither had been in a World Cup knockout stage situation before today. So it was clear that both managers wanted to be very specific about their gameplan. 

Canada had possession but nothing to show for it until the goal and South Africa was heavily relying on counter-attacking sequences. But it just didn’t have the build-up know-how. 

We got a winner in the end, but it wasn’t a classic. Canada recorded its first ever knockout stage win at the World Cup, becoming the first host nation to win a knockout stage game in regulation time since Brazil in 2014. Before this game, the last Concacaf nation to host the World Cup and win a knockout stage match was Mexico in 1986.

3. South Africa Changed Tactics Too Late

The plan from South Africa manager Hugo Broos, at least at the start, was very clear. It was reminiscent of its first match against another co-host, Mexico: to let the opposing side have the ball and just rely on quick, direct counters. 

But the issue is that strategy only works when you make your chances count. South Africa didn’t do that and even in the second half, when it gained more possession, it was too reactive and as a result, it paid the price.

It was a very brave performance but one that needed a more clinical touch. And when it fell behind in stoppage, it was going to be even harder. South Africa is now winless in eight games at the World Cup when conceding first.

4. South Africa’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi Is A Gem

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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At only 20 years old, the Chicago Fire defender has performed as one of the best center backs in the tournament and today, he saved his teammates on many occasions, including saving a Canadian attempt from the line as Jonathan David was pouncing after it. 

Despite the loss, the South African talent should be very proud of his World Cup. Mbokazi is a talent and one of the brightest young talents in MLS, and his (reportedly) new Chicago teammate Robert Lewandowski should be very impressed. After previously being tied to a move to Europe, something tells me that Mbokazi won’t be in MLS for much longer.

South Africa vs Canada Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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When USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino took out a laptop during the first hydration break of the friendly against Senegal, people wondered what would become of these pauses of play.

Is it a four-quarter game? Which team will it benefit?

“After the U.S.-Senegal game, there was this talk of people going to have the laptop and all that. And since the World Cup started, there’s been no discussion of any of that,” former USA head coach and FIFA World Cup NOW analyst Bob Bradley said.

“If the team’s going well, you let guys come over, talk to each other,” Bradley added. “You say a couple of things. And if there is a specific thing which has happened in a few games, then it’s easy to say, ‘Let’s change the way we press.’”

Thomas Tuchel coaches up England during a hydration break that took place during their win over Croatia. (Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Multiple top managers in the tournament have said they are not fans of the hydration breaks. England’s Thomas Tuchel said “it interrupts and changes the identity of a football match much more than I thought.” Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said, “The ‘four-period’ concept is real.” Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, though, called the break “revolutionary.”

Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa said the four-quarter nature of the game “alters the culturally constructed conception of how to interpret football.”

“They think it disrupts the game,” Bradley said. “They would say that in certain games it might allow them to do something tactically, but they don’t need to do that every game. They would still say that in extreme conditions you need to do it. But what they don’t like is that it breaks the momentum in the game, and they all feel it has changed the identity.”

Portugal’s Roberto Martinez has embraced the hydration breaks. (Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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How teams come out of the break in play and how the game changes is also a topic of debate. Bradley covered a potential trend of more action happening immediately after play resumes.

“Then there’s been a little bit of a pattern that, after hydration breaks, you could say that there’s been some chances and shots and goals,” Bradley said. “It’s hard to know what that means because there’s been more goals in the World Cup period.”

The teams who the pauses in the action may benefit the most? The underdogs. They get to change tactics and regain energy as they defend against the teams with the majority of possession.

“Scaloni made a point that actually it’s an advantage for the weaker teams, and that’s true,” Bradley said.

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