WORLD CUP: Canada and South Africa scoreless at halftime
Published 11:35 am Sunday, June 28, 2026
12:55 p.m.
Will we see Canadian captain Alphonso Davies, who has missed the entire tournament as he recovers from a hamstring injury?
12:48 p.m.
Scoreless at the half. Several Canadian players and coach Jesse Marsch have some choice words for Pinheiro as they leave the pitch. Canada finishes the half with four shots on goal to South Africa’s one.
12:45 p.m.
Fans aren’t happy as Canada’s Laryea is hauled down inside the box. No penalty is given by ref João Pinheiro, with no VAR review. Three minutes of stoppage time added on as Canada starts to carry the play.
12:43 p.m.
Another Canadian corner and Eustáquio’s effort is headed on goal by Moise Bombito but is somehow parried off the line by the South African defence.
12:40 p.m.
Canada awarded a free kick just outside the box on the right wing. Eustáquio’s probing ball is headed over the bar by Cornelius.
12:34 p.m.
Tani Oluwaseyi gets Canada’s second shot on goal, but his effort from the left side is stopped by Williams.
12:29 p.m.
Fans whistle derisively as South Africa holds the ball with repeated back passes to Williams.
12:23 p.m.
As is the custom in all stadiums, fans boo the first ‘hydration break’.
12:21 p.m.
Canada awarded a free kick from 30 yards out. Stephen Eustáquio’s effort is headed on target by Derek Cornelius, but South Africa’s Ronwen Williams makes the save.
12:16 p.m.
Canada’s first shot attempt is from Jonathan David, who fires wide off an outswinging corner.
12:15 p.m.
Through 15 minutes, South Africa carrying 67 per cent of possession.
12:08 p.m.
Canada draws its first corner after some nice work on the left wing by Richie Laryea. Nothing emerges.
12:06 p.m.
South Africa with the first shot on goal, stopped by Canada’s Maxime Crepeau.
12:00 p.m.
We are underway! Canada sporting their sharp ‘Black Ice’ kits worn in their 6-0 triumph over Qatar.
11:35 a.m.
Black Press Media live World Cup blog for June 28:
Canada will meet South Africa in a round of 32 clash in Los Angeles. It is the first team either club has reached the knockout stage and a spot in the final 16 in on the line.
Either the Netherlands or Morocco will play the winner.
Today’s starters, presented by @GE_Appliances
🍁 Moïse and DC at the back
🍁 Tajon and Liam provide the width
🍁 JD and Tani up top
🇨🇦 🇿🇦
LET’S GO #CANMNT pic.twitter.com/YiUt0ADYtz
— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) June 28, 2026
Canada’s starting 11: Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Liam Millar, Stephen Eustáquio, Nathan Saliba, Tajon Buchanan; Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi.
South Africa’s starting 11: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha; Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis; Evidence Makgopa.