The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage begins today, June 28, with South Africa taking on Canada at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California at 3 p.m. ET. Whoever wins today makes history — it will be the first knockout-stage victory for either nation in World Cup history.

The Round of 32 is a new feature of the expanded 48-team tournament, which for the first time is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Thirty-two teams are competing across eight days of knockout football starting today and running through July 3.

South Africa vs Canada: a match of firsts

South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, qualified as runners-up in Group A after recovering from an opening loss to Mexico. They beat South Korea to reach the knockouts for the first time in their tournament history — the nation hosted the World Cup in 2010 but exited in the group stage. Canada finished second in Group B, advancing past Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar before losing to Switzerland.

The two sides have met only once before — a friendly in 2007 that South Africa won 2-0. This is their first competitive encounter, and both teams know a win here books a place in the Round of 16. The match kicks off at noon Pacific time (3 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. UK time).

Canada’s Alphonso Davies is the most recognizable player on the pitch. The Bayern Munich left-back has been in fine form and will be central to Canada’s attacking plans. South Africa counters with a disciplined defensive shape and the pacy Lyle Foster up front.

What else is coming in the next 48 hours

Monday June 29 brings three more matches. Brazil face Japan in Houston at 1 p.m. ET, with the South Americans entering as one of the tournament favorites after winning Group C. Germany meet Paraguay in Foxborough at 4:30 p.m. ET — Germany won their group comfortably and will be tested by a disciplined South American side. Netherlands face Morocco in Monterrey at 9 p.m. ET, a rematch of sorts given their competitive history at recent tournaments.

Tuesday through Thursday continue with France vs Sweden, Ivory Coast vs Norway, Argentina vs Australia, and England vs Jamaica among the fixtures. The full bracket is available on FIFA.com and ESPN.

How to watch

All World Cup 2026 matches in the United States broadcast on Fox, FS1, and Telemundo with Spanish commentary. Streaming is available on the Fox Sports app, Fubo, and Peacock. The BBC and ITV share rights in the United Kingdom. For today’s South Africa vs Canada match, Fox has the English broadcast.

The Round of 32 runs through July 3. The Round of 16 follows from July 5-8, with the quarter-finals on July 12-13, semi-finals on July 16-17, and the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

It’s a historic day for two nations that have never won a knockout game. One of them changes that record today.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)

Why is there a Round of 32 at this World Cup?

FIFA expanded the tournament from 32 to 48 teams starting with the 2026 edition. The Round of 32 is the result — it replaces the old round of 16 as the first knockout round, giving more nations a chance to compete deeper into the tournament.