LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — The group-stage drama is officially in the rearview mirror, and the ultimate business end of global football has arrived. Following a breathtaking conclusion to the opening round—headlined by a chaotic 3-3 thriller between Algeria and Austria that shattered Iranian hearts—the complete schedule for the newly formatted FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is locked and loaded.
In a massive nod to South African football’s soaring resurgence, Bafana Bafana have the distinct honor of kicking off the entire knockout phase. Hugo Broos’ charges will walk out under the Hollywood lights at the SoFi Stadium to battle tournament co-hosts Canada tonight at 21:00 (SAST).
The Full FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Menu (SAST)
The path to the golden trophy features a star-studded collection of global heavyweights, including five highly anticipated all-African and Afro-European blockbusters:
- Sunday, 28 June
- South Africa vs Canada — 21:00
- Monday, 29 June
- Brazil vs Japan — 19:00
- Germany vs Paraguay — 22:30
- Tuesday, 30 June
- Netherlands vs Morocco — 03:00
- Ivory Coast vs Norway — 19:00
- France vs Sweden — 23:00
- Wednesday, 1 July
- Mexico vs Ecuador — 03:00
- England vs DR Congo — 18:00
- Belgium vs Senegal — 22:00
- Thursday, 2 July
- USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina — 02:00
- Spain vs Austria — 21:00
- Friday, 3 July
- Portugal vs Croatia — 01:00
- Switzerland vs Algeria — 05:00
- Australia vs Egypt — 20:00
- Saturday, 4 July
- Argentina vs Cabo Verde — 00:00
- Colombia vs Ghana — 03:30
Selection Breakdown: Broos’ Predicted Lineup to Settle Canada
To replicate the defensive masterclass that choked out South Korea 1-0, Broos is expected to maintain absolute structural continuity across his defensive line. Teenage sensation Ime Okon (22) and Chicago Fire powerhouse Mbekezeli Mbokazi (20) will continue their generational partnership at center-back, flanked by the relentless pairing of Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba.
The massive tactical adjustment comes in the engine room. Midfield general Teboho Mokoena is widely expected to step straight back into the starting XI after serving his card suspension, likely partnering Orlando Pirates’ in-form anchor Thalente Mbatha. Up front, the tactical debate rages over whether Lyle Foster will displace Evidence Makgopa, but the creative keys remain firmly in the hands of tournament standout Relebohile Mofokeng.
Predicted Bafana Bafana XI:
Williams (C); Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.
