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The FIFA World Cup knockout stage begins with South Africa taking on co-hosts Canada. Here’s how to watch the Round of 32 clash live in India, plus kick-off time and prediction.
(Credit: X/FIFA)
The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its business end as the knockout stage gets underway with an intriguing Round of 32 clash between South Africa and co-hosts Canada. Both nations have already created history by reaching this stage for the first time and will now be aiming to take one step closer to a dream quarter-final run.
The match will be played at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 AM IST on Monday, June 29.
Canada enter the contest as favourites despite ending second in Group B following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group match. Jesse Marsch’s side had earlier announced themselves with a stunning 6-0 demolition of Qatar and also picked up a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina to book their place in the knockouts.
South Africa, meanwhile, have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament. After opening with a 2-0 loss to Mexico, Hugo Broos’ men bounced back admirably, drawing 1-1 with the Czech Republic before edging South Korea 1-0 in a must-win encounter. Those four points were enough to seal second place in Group A and a historic first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds.
The winner will become the first team to book a place in the Round of 16, where either the Netherlands or Morocco await.
South Africa vs Canada Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch In India
Football fans in India can catch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash live on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD.
The match will also be streamed live on the ZEE5 app and website for subscribers.
South Africa vs Canada Head-to-Head
The two nations have met only once in senior international football. That came in an international friendly in Durban on November 20, 2007, when South Africa registered a comfortable 2-0 victory courtesy of a first-half brace from Teko Modise.
While history favours Bafana Bafana, Canada arrive with considerably greater momentum and attacking quality.
Match Prediction
Canada have looked sharper throughout the tournament, with Jonathan David leading the line brilliantly and Cyle Larin providing an excellent foil in attack. Jesse Marsch’s side possess more quality across the pitch and should have enough to break down South Africa’s disciplined defensive setup.
Bafana Bafana have shown resilience and organisation, but they may struggle to create enough chances against a confident Canadian side.
Prediction: South Africa 0-2 Canada
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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