South Africa will look to make more history on Sunday night when they take on Canada in the first Round of 32 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Bafana Bafana have reached the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time in their history and now face co-hosts Canada for a place in the next round.The clash in Los Angeles will also mark the first-ever World Cup knockout appearance for both nations.South Africa Riding a Wave of HistoryScenes of celebration erupted across South Africa after Hugo Broos side secured qualification from Group A with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final group match. The achievement represented a remarkable turnaround for Bafana Bafana, who had opened their campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico.That result extended South Africas difficult run to seven matches without a win before they responded in impressive fashion on matchday three. Veteran coach Hugo Broos has played a major role in the resurgence and, at 74 years old, he is set to become the oldest manager ever to oversee a World Cup knockout fixture. The Belgian tactician has already confirmed that this tournament will be his final one before retirement.Canada Looking to Bounce BackCanada also enter the tie with history on the line as they become the first World Cup host nation to play a match outside their own borders during the tournament.Jesse Marschs men missed out on top spot in Group B following a 2-1 defeat against Switzerland in their final group game, a result which also ended their ten-match unbeaten streak stretching back to October. Despite the setback, there were still plenty of positives from Canadas group stage performances.The North Americans scored eight goals during the opening phase of the competition and produced 21 shots on target. These numbers are ten more than they managed across their previous two World Cup campaigns combined.Head-to-Head RecordSouth Africa won the only previous meeting between the two nations, recording a 2-0 victory back in 2007.Canada have also struggled against African opposition in competitive matches, losing both previous encounters, including their defeat to Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.Key facts to know before the contestSouth Africa have scored one goal or fewer in each of their last eight matches.Six of South Africas previous seven games have produced under 2.5 goals.Ten of Canadas last 13 matches have also ended with under 2.5 goals.There have been six red cards across Canadas last ten fixtures.Players to WatchThapelo Maseko has been one of South Africas most dangerous attacking threats at the tournament. He registered eight shots during the group stage, more than any other South African player, with his only effort on target proving decisive against South Korea.For Canada, Nathan Saliba has emerged as a standout performer. The midfielder has already contributed to three goals in just two World Cup appearances, scoring once and providing two assists, which is more goal involvements than he managed in his first 15 international appearances combined.South Africa appear to have a fully fit squad available, while Canada are still monitoring the fitness of captain Alphonso Davies and midfielder Stephen Eustquio ahead of kick-off. If the two players are cleared fit, it will give the co-hosts a major boost for the game.Match DetailsThe Round of 32 encounter between South Africa and Canada will be played on Sunday, June 28, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.PredictionSouth Africa 1-2 Canada 



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