FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE: South Africa vs Canada Goalless at Half Time
Neither nation has ever reached this stage of international football's showpiece event and they could not have asked for a grander stage than the spectacular SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
Co-hosts Canada and South Africa will both make World Cup history when they meet in the opening game of the knockout round on Sunday.
Neither nation has ever reached this stage of international football's showpiece event and they could not have asked for a grander stage than the spectacular SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
South Africa are one of nine African sides to have reached the last 32, making the continent the major beneficiary of the expanded 48-team format.
The Bafana Bafana looked dead and buried in a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the tournament opener but a spirited 1-0 win against South Korea fired them into uncharted territory.
Canada celebrated going through too -- but slipping to a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in their final group game cost them their 'home' status that the group winner would have enjoyed.
So they have been forced to head to the United States.
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Live Updates
- 29 Jun 2026 2:25 AM IST
90+2’ – GOAL! CANADA FINALLY BREAK THROUGH!
Stephen Eustaquio comes up with the breakthrough deep into stoppage time!
After waves of pressure throughout the match, Canada finally find the decisive moment as Eustaquio beats Ronwen Williams to put the North Americans in front with just minutes remaining.
It’s a devastating blow for South Africa, who had defended heroically for more than 90 minutes, while Canada are now on the verge of booking their place in the Round of 16.
Scorer: Stephen Eustaquio (90+2’)
South Africa 0-1 Canada
- 29 Jun 2026 2:21 AM IST
90’ – Five minutes added
The fourth official indicates five minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
After 90 minutes of intense action, the sides remain deadlocked. Canada have created the clearer chances, but Ronwen Williams has produced a string of outstanding saves, while South Africa have twice been rescued by crucial goal-line clearances.
Five more minutes to find a winner and secure a place in the Round of 16.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
- 29 Jun 2026 2:18 AM IST
86’ – Double substitution for South Africa
South Africa make two attacking changes as they look to find a late winner.
* Tshepang Moremi replaces Thapelo Maseko.
* Iqraam Rayners comes on for Evidence Makgopa.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
- 29 Jun 2026 2:17 AM IST
85’ – South Africa threaten on the counter!
A rare but dangerous break from South Africa as they surge forward in numbers after soaking up sustained Canadian pressure.
The move ends with Oswin Appollis unleashing a powerful strike from around 20 yards, but Maxime Crépeau is equal to it, getting down to make a comfortable save.
With five minutes of normal time remaining, both teams are still searching for the breakthrough.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
- 29 Jun 2026 2:12 AM IST
78’ – Williams comes up big again!
Ronwen Williams is keeping South Africa in the game!
Substitute Alphonso Davies bursts down the left and picks out Jonathan David, who fires a left-footed effort from a tight angle.
The South African goalkeeper reacts brilliantly, tipping the shot away with a superb save at his near post to preserve the deadlock.
Canada continue to knock on the door, but Williams is producing a goalkeeping masterclass.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
- 29 Jun 2026 2:12 AM IST
76’ – Inches away for Canada!
Canada come agonisingly close to finding the breakthrough.
Substitute Promise David unleashes a powerful long-range effort that flies just inches wide of the post, with Ronwen Williams scrambling across his goal but ultimately not needing to make the save.
Another warning for South Africa as Canada continue to pile on the pressure in search of the opening goal.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
- 29 Jun 2026 2:11 AM IST
75’ – Alphonso Davies enters the fray
Canada make their fifth and final substitution of the match, introducing one of their biggest stars for the closing stages.
Alphonso Davies comes off the bench to replace Tajon Buchanan, with the Canadians hoping the Bayern Munich full-back’s pace and attacking quality can finally unlock the stubborn South African defence.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
- 29 Jun 2026 2:10 AM IST
75’ – South Africa finish off a superb move
A wonderful passage of play from South Africa as they patiently build from the back, stringing together a series of crisp passes to work their way into the final third.
The move ends with Thalente Mbatha letting fly from the edge of the area, but his effort sails over the crossbar.
A confident spell from Bafana Bafana, who are showing they can threaten with flowing attacking football as the match enters its closing stages.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
- 29 Jun 2026 2:09 AM IST
70’ – Double substitution for Canada
Canada make another double change as they continue to search for the opening goal.
* Promise David replaces Tani Oluwaseyi in attack.
* Jacob Shaffelburg comes on for Liam Millar.
Four substitutions now for Canada as they look to turn their dominance into a breakthrough.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
- 29 Jun 2026 2:09 AM IST
67’ – Yellow Card
Canada’s disciplinary count increases.
Niko Sigur is shown a yellow card by the referee after a late challenge, becoming the second Canadian player booked in the match following Nathan Saliba’s caution earlier.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
