How to watch South Africa vs Canada at World Cup 2026 in the UK
DIRECT ANSWER: South Africa vs Canada kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sunday, 28 June, at Los Angeles Stadium in the World Cup 2026 round of 32. UK viewers can watch on BBC and ITV; track live stats on FotMob. Portuguese referee João Pinheiro takes charge as both nations contest their first-ever knockout tie.
Key Takeaways
- Kick-off is 8 p.m. UK / 3 p.m. ET at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, 28 June.
- Watch in the UK on BBC and ITV; use FotMob for live scores and line-up alerts.
- Referee João Pinheiro officiates; Sporting Life tips Canada to win 2-1.
- Both teams reach the round of 32 for the first time in their histories.
- Canada travel to LA after losing group top spot to Switzerland.
Why does this World Cup 2026 knockout tie matter?
It is the first knockout match of the tournament. ESPN reports that South Africa and Canada each qualified for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time. South Africa finished second in Group A after beating South Korea, while Canada took second in Group B following defeat to Switzerland.
For Canada, The Athletic calls this the biggest match in the men's national team's history. Jesse Marsch's side must win away from the home atmosphere that carried them through the group stage.
How can you watch South Africa vs Canada in the UK?
ESPN lists BBC and ITV as the UK broadcasters for this fixture. For live scores, cards and confirmed teams as they drop, FotMob is a handy second screen alongside the TV coverage.
For deeper pre-match reading on performance and recovery angles, browse our Longevity & Biohacking section — tournament travel and late kick-offs take a toll on players and fans alike.
What time does South Africa vs Canada kick off?
ESPN confirms a UK kick-off of 8 p.m. BST on Sunday, 28 June, with the match at Los Angeles Stadium. The Athletic lists 12 noon PT and 3 p.m. ET. Sporting Life schedules the tie for 20:00 BST at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood.
Who is the referee — and what might that mean?
João Pinheiro of Portugal is the appointed referee, per ESPN. Jake Osgathorpe at Sporting Life notes Pinheiro showed three yellow cards and a red in his only World Cup outing so far. Canada matches at this tournament have averaged 4.0 cards, and South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena was booked in both of his group games.
What are the predicted line-ups?
South Africa (predicted): Williams; Modiba, Mbokazi, Okon, Mudau; Mbatha, Sithole; Appollis, Mofokeng, Maseko; Makgopa.
Canada (predicted): Crépeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustáquio, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Larin.
ESPN highlights Hugo Broos's turnaround after South Africa's opening loss to Mexico. The Athletic expects Buchanan to start despite a quiet group stage, and backs Canada's forwards to exploit a Bafana Bafana side that scored just twice in three group games.
Can Canada win the biggest match in their history?
The Athletic's Joshua Kloke likes Canada's chances if Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Promise David deliver goals against a low-scoring South Africa defence. Marsch told TSN he wants his co-hosts to "electrify our country" in LA even without Vancouver's crowd.
Sporting Life's score prediction is South Africa 1-2 Canada, with the Canadians listed around 3/4 favourites. Both sides have already made history — Sunday decides who keeps the dream alive.