Canada will play its first knockout match in men's World Cup history on Sunday, June 28, 2026, facing South Africa at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with a noon kickoff. The Canadians finished second in their group, which actually gave them a more favorable draw against a South African team ranked 54th in FIFA, well below Canada's 32nd position.
Where to Watch in Metro Vancouver
After over 50,000 fans packed BC Place for Canada's previous matches, thousands are expected to gather at free public watch parties across Metro Vancouver. The main venues include the FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park, Granville Island with a seven-metre screen for 1,000 people, and The Shipyards in North Vancouver featuring a nine-metre outdoor screen.
FIFA Fan Festival
Venue: PNE Grounds, 2901 E. Hastings St. Free entry on June 24, opens 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Times vary; check vancouverfwc26.ca for updates.
Canada Soccer House
Venue: The Shipyard Commons at Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver. Watch party starts at noon with a beverage garden, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment.
Granville Street
Venue: Granville Street pedestrian zone. A five-block stretch from West Georgia to Davie Street is closed to traffic daily until the World Cup final on July 19.
Granville Island
Venue: Granville Island, 1661 Duranleau St. Gates open one hour before the match at 11 a.m.
Jack Poole Plaza
Venue: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Pl. Watch party starts at 11:45 a.m. next to the Olympic cauldron.
Surrey Civic Plaza
Venue: Surrey's Civic Plaza, adjacent to Surrey City Hall. Live performances start at 11 a.m., game screened at noon, with live music, games, and a beer garden.
Canada Jerseys in High Demand
Finding a Canada jersey has become difficult. Craig Burnham, owner of Sportstown Soccer in Richmond, ordered about 120 Canada jerseys for this tournament—far more than in 2022. As of Friday, only three kids' sizes and a single women's jersey remained. “It was a big risk, but thankfully, it sold through,” he said. Burnham noted the lead-up was quiet: “There was no real driving excitement about it. And then it’s like, all of a sudden, the city woke up.”
At North America Sports on East Hastings Street, owner Ferruccio Susin said Canada jersey sales have jumped 10 times over normal. He hired two extra staff about a month before the tournament. “The World Cup coming to Canada has been a blessing,” Susin said. “Everybody has the soccer fever this summer here in Vancouver.” Buyers range from teenagers to people in their 60s, men and women, longtime fans and casual ones.
