Bafana Bafana vs Canada: Co-hosts wary of SA threat in World Cup’s Round of 32

Bafana Bafana are set to play co-hosts Canada on Sunday night in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 in Los Angeles.

This is the first time South Africa have made it past the group stage into the knockout phase after the initial failed three attempts. It started with a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico, before a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. However, the 1-0 victory against South Korea ensured their place in the next phase.

Canada lost their top-of the table clash with Switzerland, losing 2-1 to finish second and set a date with Hugo Broos’ men.

Just like Bafana Bafana, this is the first time Canada have made it past the group stage of the prestigious global competition. Coach Jesse Marsch is not expecting an easy outing against the African nation.

Canada wary of physical Bafana Bafana

If you watched the game, many people were expecting South Korea to dominate that game, it was actually the other way around,” Marsch told One Soccer.

“And you see South Africa as a team that’s physical, that in open spaces is very athletic and has a belief now in what they’re doing.

“So, I was impressed with South Africa in that match. As the match was going on, as much as you would say that South Korea is a better team, at the end of the game but South Africa earned that result.

“They were the better team and are going to give us a big challenge,” he concluded.