Canada men’s national soccer team will make history on Sunday when it faces South Africa men’s national soccer team in its first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match at Los Angeles Stadium.
Canada advanced to the Round of 16 after finishing second in Group B despite a 2-1 loss to Switzerland men’s national football team. South Africa secured second place in Group A with a surprise 1-0 victory over South Korea men’s national football team.
The two nations have met only once before, with South Africa defeating Canada 2-0 in an international friendly in 2007. Canada entered the World Cup ranked 31st in the FIFA rankings, 29 places ahead of South Africa at No. 60.
Head coach Jesse Marsch faces key selection decisions ahead of Sunday’s match. Star defender Alphonso Davies is working his way back from injury, while midfielder Stephen Eustaquio missed the start against Switzerland because of muscle tightness. Canada will also be without midfielder Ismaël Koné, who suffered a broken leg during the team’s 6-0 victory over Qatar.
Canada held Switzerland scoreless through the opening half before conceding twice early in the second period. Promise David pulled one goal back in the 74th minute, but Canada could not find an equalizer despite sustained late pressure.
The Canadian squad has already achieved several historic milestones during the tournament, including its first World Cup match on home soil, first World Cup point and first World Cup victory. Sunday’s Round of 16 clash offers another opportunity for Canada to reach uncharted territory with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
