Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has shared his thoughts ahead of his side’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against South Africa, admitting he expects a tough encounter.
The two nations booked their places in the knockout stages after both finished second in their respective groups during the group phase.
They are set to meet on Sunday at 9pm in Los Angeles, with tournament co-hosts Canada playing a fixture away from home for the first time.
Marsch described Bafana Bafana as a physical team, admitting he did not expect Hugo Broos’ side to come out victorious against South Korea.
The former Leeds United coach believes South Africa will provide Canada with a “big challenge” as both teams battle for a place in the Round of 16.
“If you watched the game, many people were expecting South Korea to dominate that game, it was actually the other way around,” said Marsch, as per One Soccer.
“And you see South Africa as a team that’s physical, that in open spaces is very athletic and has a belief now in what they’re doing.
“So, I was impressed with South Africa in that match. As the match was going on, as much as you would say that South Korea is a better team, at the end of the game but South Africa earned that result.
“They were the better team and are going to give us a big challenge.”
Image Credit – Canada FA