South Africa vs Canada

The teams' only previous meeting took place in a 2007 friendly, which ended in a 2–0 win for South Africa. After facing co-hosts Mexico in their opening group stage match, South Africa became the first team in tournament history to face two different host nations in a single edition since Turkey in 2002. It also marked the first time a host nation played a World Cup match outside its own borders, after a 2–1 loss to Switzerland in its final group stage match cost Canada a guaranteed home-field advantage. Following a goalless 90 minutes, two minutes into stoppage time, Canada vice-captain Stephen Eustáquio gained possession after the ball was headed towards him, before striking right-footed from the edge of the penalty area low into the bottom left corner of the net for the only goal of the match. With this win, Canada advanced to the round of 16 for the first time in their appearances at the World Cup, and will face Morocco in their next match. South Africa were eliminated from the tournament, marking their best World Cup finish since 2010.