Co-host Canada will look to continue its dream run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as it plays South Africa in the round of 32 at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday.
Les Rouges were held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup opener, but defeated Qatar 6-0 to secure their place in the knockouts. The Bafana Bafana, on the other hand, upset South Korea by winning the last match in the group stage 1-0 and participating in the knockouts for the first time.
Who is the referee in South Africa versus Canada at the World Cup?
Portuguese referee João Pinheiro will officiate the first round of the 32-match FIFA World Cup between South Africa and Canada.
The 38-year-old has competed in matches including Liga Portugal, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Europa League.
He has managed 441 matches in his career so far, handing out yellow and 46 red cards in 1983.
During this World Cup, Pinheiro took part in Switzerland’s final group match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, sending off Tarik Muharemovic.
Pinheiro came under fire last season for a number of questionable calls in the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, with the Bavarians’ CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen criticizing the referees after the match.
«It is astonishing, to say the least, that a referee with only 15 Champions League appearances can take charge of such a match. And that may also explain some of the decisions,» Dreesen told Sky Germany.
Full list of match officials in South Africa vs Canada:
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Referee: João Pinheiro (Portugal)
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Assistant referee 1: Bruno Jesus (Portugal)
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Assistant referee 2: Luciano Maia (Portugal)
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Fourth official: Omar Al Ali (United Arab Emirates)
Published on June 28, 2026
