The first match of the round of 32 at World Cup 2026 features two sides that played in the first and second game of the tournament, as South Africa take on tournament co-hosts Canada, reports Al Jazeera.
Both sides are featuring in the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time, so further history will be made for one.
It has been the tournament of the underdog so far, so few will limit their expectations as to how far they can go, including two sides that have already stolen one show each to reach this stage.
South Africa played in the opening game of the tournament, but were defeated by co-hosts Mexico.
The 2-0 reverse in Mexico City was followed by a 1-1 draw against Czechia, with Thapelo Maseko’s second-half penalty earning the point in Atlanta.
The crunch game came in Monterrey with a win needed against South Korea – Maseko scored the only goal to down the Asian giants and secure Bafana Bafana’s progress to the knockout stage in second spot in Group A.
Canada were the second game that was played at the tournament, when the fellow co-hosts drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Cyle Larin scored Canada’s goal to level matters only 121 seconds after coming on as 76th minute sub.
Jonathan David netted a hat-trick against 2022 tournament hosts, Qatar, in a 6-0 drubbing that ensured Canada’s passage to the knockouts – and grabbed the headlines for downing the back-to-back Asian champions in such a fashion.
Top spot in the group was denied them, however, with a 2-1 defeat by Switzerland in the final round of games in the group.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
