Canada Punches Ticket to World Cup Knockout Stage, Faces South Africa in Round of 32

Canada's men's national soccer team has secured its place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to a second-place finish in Group B behind Switzerland. This achievement marks their progression into the Round of 32, where they will face South Africa on June 28 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The stadium, which is valued at $5 billion and serves as the home venue for the NFL's Rams and Chargers, will provide an electric backdrop to this high-stakes matchup.

The expanded tournament format has introduced a new level of competition, with 48 teams participating across three co-host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The Round of 32 is itself a new addition, necessitated by the larger field.

The World Cup's growing ties to the crypto industry are evident in Kraken's role as the official crypto exchange supporter of the tournament in North America and Europe. On-chain betting platforms have reported significant volumes tied to tournament matches, with millions in payout volumes already recorded.