Canada starting lineup vs South Africa confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match

Canada and South Africa have faced each other only once before.

Co-hosts Canada are set to play the first knock-out game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Les Rouges have reached the knockout stage of the summer competition for the first time, and they will lock horns against another knockout debutant, South Africa.

Canada were drawn in Group B of the World Cup alongside Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland. In their opening game, Les Rouges drew 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina, where Cyle Larin scored the side’s only goal. However, they secured a historic 6-0 win over Qatar in their second game.

Juventus forward Jonathan David scored his maiden FIFA World Cup hat-trick, while Larin also netted his second goal of the campaign. Nathan Saliba also penned a crucial goal for the co-hosts; however, Ismael Kone suffered a tournament-ending injury in the same game.

Canada were riding a high wave of confidence when they faced Switzerland in their last group stage game. However, the co-hosts suffered a 2-1 defeat. With four points in three games, Jesse Marsch’s men finished second in Group B.

Also Read: South Africa vs Canada: All-time head-to-head record ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Canada’s lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against South Africa

Canada XI (4-2-3-1): Maxime Crépeau (GK); Alistair Johnston, Moïse Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio (C), Nathan Saliba, Liam Millar; Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi.

Thoughts on the lineup

Alphonso Davies will still miss his name from Les Rouges’ starting line-up in the knockout clash. The Bayern Munich defender is recovering from a hamstring injury and could potentially come off the bench against Bafana.

Maxime Crépeau is keeping the gloves for the co-hosts, who have finally moved away from Toronto. Alistair Johnston and Richie Laryea will play as the full-backs, while Moïse Bombito and Derek Cornelius feature in the centre-back defensive duo.

Stephen Eustáquio, Nathan Saliba and Liam Millar will be crucial in the midfield. Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi will continue as the attacking duo, while Tajon Buchanan will play on the wing.

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