The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage begins Sunday with a historic Round of 32 opener as South Africa faces Canada at Los Angeles Stadium. It is Match Day 18 of the tournament and the first day of single-elimination play, with the loser going home. Canada’s Alphonso Davies and leading scorer Jonathan David headline the Canadian side, while South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena anchor a Bafana Bafana squad making its first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout round. The match airs on FOX and streams on FOX One.
Players To Watch
Canada’s superstar has yet to make his debut at this year’s World Cup, but that could change in the knockout stage. Alphonso Davies was expected to play and was available on the bench during Canada’s 2-1 loss to Switzerland, yet mysteriously didn’t. “I think Alphonso Davies will be ready to go next game,” Marsch said after the loss to Switzerland. Canada has made it this far without Davies, but with its tournament life on the line, he should get minutes either as a starter or substitute.
Thapelo Maseko was the hero for South Africa, scoring the winning goal against South Korea that sent Bafana Bafana to the knockout stage for the first time. At 22 years old, he became South Africa’s youngest goalscorer at the World Cup and despite his young age, South Africa will likely need another big moment in order to advance to the round of 16.
Kaylyn Kyle, Mo Edu and Bob Bradley unveil their superlatives for Group Stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, including best story, best goal and the best fanbases.
All World Cup matches air on FOX and FS1, with every game streaming live and on demand on FOX One.
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