The daytime edition of "Night Mundial" opens with the morning's biggest sensation: Canada beat South Africa 1–0 in the first Round of 32 match and advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in their football history. The 2026 World Cup schedule in Kyiv time promises two more heated playoff clashes this evening.
Canada – South Africa 1–0: a stoppage-time goal and Davies' debut
The match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles finished late at night Kyiv time and did not make the morning digest. Both sides were taking the field in a World Cup knockout round for the very first time — the first-ever Round of 32 match was also the first playoff game for both teams at a World Cup.
The only goal was scored by Stephen Eustaquio in the 90+2 minute: Jacob Shaffelburg crossed from the right flank, the ball was cleared to the Porto midfielder (on loan from Los Angeles FC), and he volleyed it into the bottom corner. Alphonso Davies, whom coach Jesse Marsch had kept on the bench due to a hamstring injury, came on as a substitute in the 75th minute and immediately energised the attack. For the Bayern star, it was his first appearance at this World Cup.
Canada will face the winner of the Netherlands–Morocco tie in the Round of 16 on July 4 in Houston. South Africa's tournament is over.
Today's afternoon and evening: Brazil – Japan and Germany – Paraguay
The second day of the Round of 32 brings two matches which, according to the 2026 World Cup schedule in Kyiv time, kick off at 21:00 (Brazil – Japan, Houston) and at 00:30 on the night of June 30 (Germany – Paraguay, Foxboro). Five-time champions Brazil won Group C, while Japan finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands. Germany topped Group E, and Paraguay advanced as one of the eight best third-placed sides.
In addition, at 03:00 Kyiv time (already June 30) the Netherlands – Morocco match in Monterrey will kick off. A detailed preview of all three ties will be published in the preview section at 18:45.
Coaching statements ahead of today's matches
Germany's sporting director Rudi Völler stressed the team's confidence at Saturday's press conference: "We believe in ourselves and will give everything on Monday." Völler recalled that in 2002, when he himself was in charge of the Nationalmannschaft, Germany had already beaten Paraguay in the Round of 16 — 1–0 thanks to Neuville's goal. Captain Kimmich underlined the positive mood in the camp at the daily press conference.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch had spoken before the match about Alphonso Davies as the "X factor," and Davies lived up to expectations by coming on as a substitute at the decisive moment.
Records and context: 104 matches, expanded format
The 2026 World Cup is the first tournament in history to feature 48 teams and 104 matches. The Round of 32 is a completely new stage: none of the 48 nations had previously played knockout matches in this format. Canada and South Africa became the first teams to play this round — and both were doing so in a World Cup playoff for the very first time. South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday after the team was eliminated in the group stage.
Tonight — Brazil – Japan (21:00 Kyiv time) and Germany – Paraguay (00:30 Kyiv time, June 30); a detailed preview will be available later in the schedule section.
See also: Matchday 3 kicks off: who is still fighting to advance from Groups B, C and A
Photo: Bundesliga · Editorial (source)
