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Soccer-Canada’s Davies on the bench for World Cup last-32 clash with South Africa

By Thomson Reuters Jun 28, 2026 | 1:06 PM

INGLEWOOD, California, June 28 (Reuters) – Canada captain Alphonso Davies was again not included in the starting lineup as his side face ​South Africa in their Round of ‌32 clash on Sunday but was among the substitutes as he struggles with a hamstring injury amid speculation about his fitness.

• South Africa restored key midfielder Teboho ‌Mokoena ​to the lineup after ⁠suspension ruled him out ⁠of their last match against South Korea in Monterrey.

• He is the only change and comes in for defensive midfielder Thalente Mbatha.

• ​Co-hosts Canada make four changes with Moise Bombito in for Luc De Fougerolles at ⁠centre back while Stephen Eustaquio ⁠has recovered from injury and replaces ​Mathieu Choiniere in midfield.

• Liam Millar comes into ​the lineup in place of Ali Ahmed ‌in another midfield change while Cyle Larin cedes his place in attack to Tani Oluwaseyi.

• South Africa’s veteran playmaker Themba Zwane is serving ⁠the last of a three-match suspension for a red card in the opening game of the tournament against co-hosts ⁠Mexico.

Line ups

South ‌Africa: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, ⁠Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba, ​Sphephelo ‌Sithole, Teboho Mokoena Oswin Appollis, Relebohile ​Mofokeng, Thapelo ⁠Maseko, Evidence Makgopa

Canada: Maxime Crepeau, Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea, Stephen Eustaquio, Nathan Saliba, Liam Millar, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi

(Compiled by Mark Gleeson in Atlanta; Editing by ​Ken Ferris)