Confirmed Bafana Bafana starting XI vs Canada in FIFA World Cup Round of 32
· The South African
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has set one change from the 1-0 win over South Korea. Teboho Mokoena has returned from suspension to replace Thalente Mbatha in central midfield.
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South Africa starting line up: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Thapelo Maseko.
Substitutes: To be confirmed.
Canada starting line up: To be confirmed
Substitutes: To be confirmed.
BAFANA BAFANA’S REMARKABLE TURNAROUND
South Africa and Canada meet in this historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash in Los Angeles. The two sides took very different routes to the knockout stages.
Bafana Bafana looked to be heading for an early exit after opening their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico. The match also saw South Africa finish with nine men following two red cards. However, they refused to panic.
A late penalty earned them a vital 1-1 draw against Czechia. This was followed by a Thapelo Maseko winner in a famous 1-0 victory over South Korea. The result sealed South Africa’s first-ever place in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds.
The turnaround has been built on resilience and defensive discipline. Ronwen Williams has produced crucial saves throughout the tournament, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi has emerged as one of Bafana’s standout performers with a series of brave clearances and composed displays at the back.
Hugo Broos’ side has shown they are comfortable soaking up pressure before striking on the counter-attack.
CANADA AIM TO REDISCOVER THEIR EDGE
Canada’s journey has been far more explosive. The co-hosts began with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before recording the biggest win of their tournament with a stunning 6-0 demolition of Qatar, which also became Canada’s first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.
A narrow 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group match denied them top spot, forcing Jesse Marsch’s side to leave home soil for the knockout stages.
Led by the attacking threat of Jonathan David, Canada has shown they can overwhelm opponents going forward, but defensive lapses proved costly against the Swiss. They will need to tighten up at the back if they are to end Bafana Bafana’s remarkable World Cup run.