The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stages have come to an end, and the round of 32 games have taken shape, signifying the beginning of an end for some clubs, or a start of a fairytale sprint to the finish for others.

Little could have predicted that South Africa would qualify for the round of 32, but their surprising win over South Korea in the final game of Group A meant they progressed to the knockout phases for the first time in their history.

Canada entered this tournament with great expectations, and they've lived up to them so far. Jesse Marsch's side went into the final group stage game level on points with Switzerland at the top of the group, but ended the fixture just about ahead of Bosnia on goal difference, which ended in an unconvincing end to the group stage

Both sides meet on Sunday, 28th June, in Los Angeles, and the outcome of the match is pivotal for the two countries. The tournament is getting all too real now; there are no second chances, and a slip-up could see a timely exit from the World Cup.

Many had Hugo Broos' side predicted to finish bottom of the group in a competitive Group A, but the 67-year-old manager's meticulous tactical changes aided his side to four imperative points, which were enough to progress.

The group opener against Mexico was far from convincing. South Africa were 1-0 down in just nine minutes due to a placed Júlian Quiñones strike, which sent the Estadio Azteca into pandemonium.

Two red cards for Bafana in that match led many to rule them out; it seemed that, despite qualifying for their first World Cup since hosting it in 2010, they were out of luck.

But the South African spirit surfaced in the Czechia game. After conceding another early goal, Bafana began to apply pressure on the Czechia back line, which subsequently led to a penalty late in the game, which Teboho Mokoena slotted home.

South Korea were favourites to secure their qualification in the final game of the group, but once again South Africa proved they should not be written off, and Thapelo Maseko's only goal of the game was enough to beat the Taegeuk Warriors.

Maseko highlighted Bafana's refusal to be beaten in a press conference before the Czechia game, saying: "We have big players with heart, and if there is anyone out there doubting this team, they better think again."

Broos will be without suspended Themba Zwane after their appeal to dismiss his red card against Mexico was rejected, meaning he has one more game on his suspension.

Mokena will be available in the round of 32 tie; he picked up two yellow cards in the opening two games and was forced to miss the South Korea fixture. He's expected to make his way back into the starting eleven.

Canada's dream start to the World Cup commenced as Marsch's side picked up four points from six, and his side looked to aim for the top of the group before failing to beat Switzerland. 

The first game set the tone for the group, as a 1-1 draw to Bosnia signified little in splitting the two sides. Both countries finished level on points after fixtures concluded.

It was a 6-0 win against Qatar, which really cemented Marsch's side as a competitor in their home tournament. It was a mauling from start to finish; two yellow cards were enough to put any fight in Julien Lopetegui's side to rest.

A Jonathan David hat-trick aided Canada to their first win at any World Cup, and what better way than to do it in Vancouver on home soil.

Marsch will be without Ismaël Koné for the rest of the tournament as he suffered a broken leg in the Qatar game. The Canadian manager said this about Koné in a press conference: "It will be a big loss for us. He's been an amazing player these last two games."

Star player Alphonso Davies has yet to play at the World Cup, as he's recovering from a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the season. It is unconfirmed if he'll be fit enough to play his first game in LA, but Marsch will be hoping to have the left-back at his disposal in his nation's biggest fixture ever.