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How South Africa Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face Canada in the FIFA World Cup

john-eastwood
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Last updated: 4 hours ago

South Africa face Canada on 28 June at SoFi Stadium in California for a FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture. Ronwen Williams will captain and start in goal. The defence is unchanged from the previous win over South Korea, with Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, and Modiba forming a solid line. Key returnee Teboho Mokoena boosts central midfield, likely alongside Sphephelo Sithole. Due to Themba Zwane's suspension, Rele Mofokeng fills the number ten role. In attack, Evidence Makgopa is set to start, with Foster and Rayners as impact substitutes, utilizing a 4-2-3-1 formation.

John Eastwood 4 hours ago
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  • Ronwen Williams to captain and start in goal.
  • Defence unchanged; Mokoena returns to midfield.
  • Makgopa starts upfront, with strong attacking options on the bench.
teboho mokoena
Teboho Mokoena is back from suspension and is a certain starter in midfield (Getty Images).

South Africa face Canada in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 21:00 SAST at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday, 28 June. 

Below you can find the predicted starting XI for Bafana Bafana. 

GOALKEEPER


Ronwen Williams will play in goal and will captain the team.

DEFENCE


The defence is set to remain unchanged from the win over South Korea.

Khuliso Mudau will be the right back with Ime Okon of Hannover 96 to his right. Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba will complete the defence.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD


Teboho Mokoena returns from suspension and is certain to start. It is a straight choice between Sphephelo Sithole and Thalente Mbatha to play alongside him. Sithole is likely to get the nod. 

Themba Zwane are suspended for this match, so Rele Mofokeng will again play as the number ten.

ATTACK


Oswin Appollis looks likely to play down the left wing. However, Tshepang Moremi did well off the bench vs South Korea and is an option.

In the number nine role, Evidence Makgopa should start again. Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners will be options as impact subs. 

Thapelo Maseko will start as the right winger.

Predicted lineup in full (4-2-3-1 formation): 

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela) - Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) - Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates).

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