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The tournament co-hosts play South Africa in the first match of the knockout stage, while Moise Bombito returns to the lineup after an injury...
Canada, one of the co-hosts of the World Cup, faces South Africa today in the first match of the round of 16, which also marks the debut of this stage in the tournament's 96-year history.
After losing to Switzerland in their final Group B match, Canada finished second and will no longer play on home soil. The Jesse Marsch-led team will face Group A runners-up South Africa at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The winner of this match will play in the quarter-finals against the winner of the match between the Netherlands and Morocco.
One of the new additions to the Canadian lineup is the return of defender Moise Bombito, who had not started since March 2025 against the United States, also at SoFi Stadium. He has been gradually recovering from a foot injury suffered in October 2025 while playing for Nice in Ligue 1.
Bombito was forced off the field in early June during Canada's friendly against Uzbekistan, but is now expected to provide more strength and stability to the defense, which made several crucial mistakes in the second half of the match against Switzerland.
"Moise has the qualities to play aggressive defensive football. He has speed, strength and, above all, the personality and leadership ability that he brings to the team," coach Jesse Marsch said on TSN.
According to Canadian broadcaster TSN, Bombito's return to the lineup is considered an important reinforcement for Canada.
Meanwhile, the official lineups of both teams have been released. Canada coach Jesse Marsch has decided that the attack will be led by Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi.
On the other hand, South Africa lines up with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Evidence Makgopa at the forefront of the attack.
Official formations:
South Africa (4-2-3-1):
Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.
Subs:
Adams, Chaine, Cross, Foster, Goss, Kabini, Makhanya, Mataludi, Mbatha, Moremi, Ndamane, Rayners, Sebelebele, Sibisi.
Canada (4-4-2):
Crepeau; Johnston, Cornelius, Bombito, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Millar; Jonathan David, Oluwaseyi.
Subs:
Ahmed, Choinière, Promise David, Davies, De Fougerolles, Goodman, Jones, Larin, Nelson, Osorio, Shaffelburg, Sigur, St. Clair, Waterman.
The match will be refereed by Portuguese referee João Pedro Silva Pinheiro.
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