How to beat Canada: Ironically, Bafana and the Canucks have one thing in common

Bafana Bafana have already realised one dream by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.

Now comes an even greater challenge – or perhaps it’s an even bigger opportunity.

Standing between South Africa and a place in the last 16 are co-hosts Canada, with Sunday’s Round of 32 encounter at Los Angeles Stadium (on neutral grounds) offering Bafana another chance to rewrite the history books.

Whether you call them the Canucks, Les Rouges (The Reds) or the Maple Leaf Team, Canada arrive as tricky opponents under the guidance of American coach Jesse Marsch.

Since taking over in 2024, Marsch has built a Canada side full of intensity and purpose – one that will thoroughly test Bafana.

Marsch is 34 matches into his reign as Canada head coach, recording 16 wins, nine draws and nine defeats – a win rate of 47.1%.

On paper, the numbers suggest a side still finding consistency. In reality, this is a team that has grown under the American.

And while ice hockey may remain the nation’s sporting heartbeat, this Canadian side has shown they can certainly play football when it matters most.

A 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening match showed Canada’s resilience, as they recovered from an early Jovo Lukić goal to earn a point through a well-timed impact off the bench from Cyle Larin.

Against Qatar, their attacking quality came to the fore. As expected, they dominated the contest, producing a commanding 6-0 victory that highlighted their ability to punish opponents ruthlessly when space opens up.

Their final group match, a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland, may be the one Hugo Broos studies most closely.

Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi exposed moments of vulnerability in midfield and