Canada fans march to B.C. Place stadium before Canada and Switzerland play a World Cup Group B soccer match, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacob Mallari
By The Canadian Press
Jun 28, 2026 | 3:00 AM
Canadian soccer fans will rally behind their team today as the nation heads into its first FIFA World Cup knockout stage match, taking on South Africa in a highly anticipated showdown.
Canada will face the South Africans in Los Angeles after the latter team upset South Korea 1-0 in Mexico City on Wednesday.
Canada advanced to the knockout stage for the first time despite a 2-1 loss in Vancouver to Switzerland, which topped the group.
So far in the tournament, Canadian fans have shown vibrant support for the team, packing both BC Place and Toronto Stadium, turning streets into rivers of cheering, flag-waving supporters and spending hours outside hotels awaiting the players’ arrivals and sendoffs.