Canada faces South Africa in first World Cup knockout Sunday
Both teams made history by advancing to the knockout stage for the first time. The winner will reach the round of 16.
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One team will make history when Canada faces South Africa in the first knockout match at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday, June 28, in Los Angeles.
South Africa secured the fixture with a 1-0 win over South Korea on June 26, in Monterrey, Mexico. South Africa, ranked 54th in the world, and No. 31 Canada both have advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in World Cup play. The winner will advance to the round of 16.
Both teams finished second in their respective groups with one win, one tie, and one loss. Canada missed a chance to finish first in Group B and play a knockout game in Vancouver after losing 2-1 to group winner Switzerland on Wednesday at BC Place. South Africa overtook Czechia and South Korea for second in Group A behind Mexico with Wednesday's win, combined with Mexico's victory over Czechia.
South Africa is in its fourth World Cup after failing to qualify for the last three tournaments. Canada is in its third World Cup. The two sides have met once before, with South Africa defeating Canada 2-0 in a friendly in 2007.
