The World Cup group stage game is officially behind us and now we get to the meat of the competition, when games are literally win or go home. Before we really get to it, though, we get a one-match warmup when Canada plays South Africa in Southern California.
Where to watch the World Cup around Puget Sound
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Dave Clark
Today's games
Canada vs. South Africa
Time: 12 PM (Pacific)
Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
The new issue of IV: The Sounder at Heart magazine is now available for pre-order. Issue 2 will focus on Seattle’s role in the 2026 World Cup.
What’s interesting today?
- Canada surely isn’t entirely happy to be playing this game, but really they only have themselves to blame. If they had simply gotten a point from Switzerland in their final group-stage match, they’d have been able to stay in Vancouver. Instead, they’re heading down the West Coast.
- The good news is that this draw wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been when it looked like they might have to play South Korea, who lost to South Africa in the final group-stage match and were eventually sent home. South Korea would have effectively been playing a home game, as Southern California is home to their largest ex-pat community.
- On paper, South Africa look to be a much better matchup for Canada. Prior to their win over South Korea, they had not won a single match in 2026.
- The winner of this match will face the winner of Morocco-Netherlands.
