The first knockout clash of the World Cup kicks off tonight as co-hosts Canada travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Despite being a co-host nation, Canada will play on neutral ground in the United States rather than on home turf, a peculiar twist for a tournament the country helped stage.
The round-of-32 match begins at 8pm UK time on Sunday, June 28, with fans in the ET timezone tuning in at 3pm and west coast supporters watching from 12pm PT. British viewers can watch live on free-to-air television via ITV1 and STV, with pre-match coverage starting at 7.15pm. For those preferring to stream, the match is available live on the ITVX app and website, or via the STV Player for viewers in Scotland.
“Co-hosts Canada begin knockout stage against South Africa on neutral ground in Los Angeles.”
In the United States, the English-language broadcast is on FOX, while Spanish-language coverage airs on Telemundo. Both channels can be streamed on platforms including Peacock, Fubo, and Sling TV.
South Africa, nicknamed Bafana Bafana, come into the match after navigating the group stage, while Canada progressed as co-hosts. The winner advances to the last 16, keeping their hopes alive in a tournament that has already seen its share of drama.
Meanwhile, away from the pitch, England cricket captain Ben Stokes announced his shock retirement from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, prompting emotional scenes in the dressing room. But for football fans, all eyes are on Los Angeles as the World Cup knockout rounds finally begin.