Despite their defeat to Switzerland, Canada managed to reach the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. There, they will face South Africa, looking for a convincing victory. With this in mind, fans are keeping a close eye on Alphonso Davies’ availability, as he could make the difference. Even though they lost the top spot in their group to Switzerland, Canada secured their place in the knockout stage for the first time in their history. There, they will face South Africa, one of the most defensively solid teams at the 2026 World Cup. With this in mind, fans are keeping a close eye on Alphonso Davies‘ availability, as he has yet to make his tournament debut and could be key in attack.
Alphonso Davies has yet to make his debut at the 2026 World Cup. After suffering a hamstring injury at the beginning of May, he has been recovering, missing the entire group stage. For the upcoming matches, Jesse Marsch has made it clear that he will be available, as he has been training and could already have played minutes against Switzerland. However, head coach did not reveal whether he would start or come off the bench.
“He’s truly available. We have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it’s a big moment for the team and a big boost for the team. He’s a big X factor for us. Being on the pitch, the belief they have in him, the belief he has in himself, I think changes the possibility of what the potential of our team is, and what we can do in this tournament,“ Jesse Marsch said in the latest press conference.
Without being a particularly impressive attacking team, South Africa reached the knockout stage by prioritizing defensive consistency. Therefore, Hugo Broos is expected to stick with his two defensive lines. However, their counterattacks are very dangerous, as they are capable of forcing defensive mistakes from their opponents. Without a striker in top form, they could instead shine through their aerial game, where several players can shine.
Cyle Larin #9 of Canada celebrates with Promise David #24 after scoring a goal.
South Africa projected lineup vs Canada
South Africa are looking to upset Canada with a more conservative approach. Head coach Hugo Broos will be without Themba Zwane due to the red card he received in the opening match against Mexico. However, he could keep a similar lineup that helped them shine against South Korea, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi leading the defensive line. In addition, Thapelo Maseko will once again have the task of making the difference in front of goal.
With this in mind, South Africa could play as follows: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Yaya Sithole, Thalente Mbatha; Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis; Evidence Makgopa.
Canada projected lineup vs South Africa
Canada have proven to be one of the most consistent teams at the 2026 World Cup. Relying on an attacking approach, head coach Jesse Marsch has excelled in every aspect, as his team have also been solid defensively. Therefore, they could repeat the same lineup, looking to dominate the match and impose their goalscoring threat. In addition, Alphonso Davies could be a key impact substitute.
Considering this, Canada could lineup as follows: Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc De Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Nathan-Dylan Saliba, Ali Ahmed; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.