Canada head coach Jesse Marsch says his side is braced for a highly motivated Bafana Bafana, while confirming a massive injury boost for the co-hosts ahead of Sunday’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 showdown.
Bafana Bafana are on the brink of another historic milestone as they prepare to battle World Cup co-hosts Canada at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday night [21:00 SAST].
𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛-𝗨𝗣𝗦
Bafana Bafana held their final training session at the Carson Sports Park, Los Angeles in USA on Saturday ahead of their FIFA World Cup last 32 match against Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday evening.#FIFAWorldCup #FARPost #WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/33MEQKXnbL
— FARPost (@FARPostZA) June 28, 2026
Hugo Broos’ men secured safe passage to the knockout stages for the first time in South African football history after finishing second in Group A with four points. They bounce back from an opening-day defeat to Mexico to draw with the Czech Republic and famously stun South Korea.
Now, standing between Bafana and a spot in the Round of 16 is a resilient Canadian outfit that also finished second in Group B with four points, finishing just behind Switzerland.
MARSCH ON WHAT TO EXPECT FROM HUGO BROOS’ BAFANA
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter in the United States, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch praised the tactical discipline and fighting spirit Broos has instilled in the South African squad.
“I think that we are expecting South Africa to be very intense, to have a fast start, and to be very excited and spirited for this match,” Marsch told journalists.
“It’s a big moment for their federation and their team. Coach [Hugo] Broos has done a really good job of preparing them and getting them ready—especially after the first match, where they picked up two red cards against Mexico. They stayed strong in the tournament and found a way to get better as they went on.
“So, we are very clear on the qualities that they have. We are very clear on what to expect, and it’s also a moment for us where we want to be at our best.”
BIG BOOST FOR CANADA AS ALPHONSO DAVIES RETURNS
While Bafana pose a major threat, the North Americans have received a massive psychological and tactical boost.
Marsch confirmed that talismanic left-back Alphonso Davies is fully fit and could make his first appearance of the tournament on Sunday. The Bayern Munich superstar has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in May, but returned to full training in Los Angeles over the last few days.
“Now that we have Alphonso Davies back, healthy and ready to perform, I think it’s a big moment and a big boost for the team,” Marsch revealed.
“All the players that came to camp with minor injuries are now closer to 100 percent and ready to perform at the highest level, which gives us a chance to be at our best in these matches.”
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