Canada Faces South Africa in First World Cup Knockout
The Canadian men's team plays its first FIFA World Cup elimination match Sunday in Los Angeles against South Africa, aiming to advance to the Round of 16.
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Canada's men's national team enters uncharted territory Sunday, June 28, playing its first FIFA World Cup elimination match — marking the furthest the team has gone in a World Cup.
Canada finished second in Group B on June 25, following a 2–1 loss to Switzerland. That result means the team must play the second-place finisher from Group A: South Africa, ranked 54th globally compared to Canada's 31st ranking. South Africa advanced after upsetting South Korea 1–0 on Wednesday.
Both teams will be playing in a knockout round for the first time in World Cup history. The winner advances to the Round of 16. Canada had the chance to finish first and play its knockout game in Vancouver, but head coach Jesse Marsch acknowledged the disappointment. "We just wanted to continue the energy that's taken place here in Canada," he said after the Switzerland loss, adding that he was "proud" of the players' response after going down 2–0.
Marsch faces roster decisions heading into the match at Los Angeles Stadium, particularly regarding star defender Alphonso Davies' availability. Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio also sat out the Switzerland match due to muscle tightness.
The two sides have met once before: South Africa beat Canada 2–0 in a friendly on November 20, 2007. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. EST Sunday.
