HT Report: Canada 0-0 Bafana

Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images

There was a lot of energy from Bafana Bafana and Canada in the first period, but the sides head into the break goalless on Sunday evening.

2026 FIFA World Cup

Halftime: South Africa 0-0 Canada

Date: 28 June 2026

Venue: Los Angeles Stadium

The South Africans were on a high after Thursday’s win over Korea Republic to seal their spot in the knockout stage but there was more good news for Hugo Broos, who was able to recall Teboho Mokoena from suspension as Thalente Mbatha dropped to the bench despite putting in a good shift last time out.

There was no clear favourite for this encounter as both sides were playing in the knockout stage for the first time, so it was no surprise to see an somewhat open contest in the early stages, much to the delight of the supporters in Los Angeles.

However, the game’s first big chance arrived after 22 minutes when Stephen Eustaquio did well to pick out an unmarked Derek Cornelius in the box, but the Canadian defender could only send his header straight at goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Canada were surprisingly not pressing Bafana high up the pitch compared to the likes of Mexico and South Korea, as they allowed Williams to use his trademark long-balls to try and pick out the runs of Evidence Makgopa or Oswin Appollis.

The only chances came for Canada via set-pieces but the Bafana defence were able to keep the opposition at bay as Aubrey Modiba produced fine block on the line to keep out Moise Bombito’s close-range strike before Williams was on hand to deny Tajon Buchanan on the rebound.

Here’s how they lined up:

South Africa: Williams, Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba, Mokoena, Sithole, Mofokeng, Appollis, Maseko, Makgopa

Canada: Crépeau; Johnston, Cornelius, Bombito, Laryea; Eustáquio, Millar, Saliba; Oluwaseyi, Buchanan, David. 

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