English
Indian
العربية
Español
Deutsch
Türkçe
Русский
Français (Afrique)
Rassie Erasmus plays his first Boks hand for 2026
Rassie Erasmus has never been shy to rotate in his Springboks match-day selections and just six of the match 23 who walloped Wales 73-0 in Cardiff in the last Test of 2025 will play the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday in the first international match of 2026. noplasticplease.life
Rassie Erasmus plays his first 2026 Boks hand
There are many factors to Erasmus’s selections. He has a team of players on the injury list and another team unavailable with the Bulls playing the URC Grand Final against Leinster on Friday evening.
At least half the Bulls team is expected to be drafted into the national squad for the July Nations Championship Test matches against England, Wales and Scotland. All the matches are played in South Africa.
What is evident from Erasmus’s selections is how much depth has been built since the 2023 World Cup title win against the All Blacks. With more than 20 Test regulars unavailable, the Boks coach has still selected a match 23 that includes just two uncapped players in Junior Springboks captain Riley Norton (lock) and Vusi Moyo (10/15).
Norton will play for the Springboks before playing for the Stormers.
Siya Kolisi leads a match 23 that includes 10 World Cup winners.
The loose-trio of Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese is the one expected to start against England on the 4th July at Ellis Park. Wingers Cheslin Kolbe, centre Jesse Kriel, scrumhalf Grant Williams, lock Franco Mostert and loosehead prop Ox Nche and hybrid midfielder/loose-forward Andre Esterhuizen should also be in the match 23 for July’s opening Test.
Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick will coach an SA ‘A’ side against 2027 World Cup participants Zimbabwe’s Sables.
Stick and Erasmus have picked several Junior Springboks in the match 23 and balanced the selections with seasoned veterans like Stormers prop Neethling Fouche, 2019 World Cup-winning centre Lukhanyo Am and the Sharks’ Tshituka brothers Vincent and Manuel.
Comparing the latest Springboks 23 selected with the match 23 that played Wales last November:
Still in the Starting XV
| Wales XV | Current XV | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12 | André Esterhuizen |
| 8 | 8 | Jasper Wiese |
| 6 | 6 | Siya Kolisi |
| 7 | 5 | Franco Mostert |
Total still starting: 4 players
Position changes
- Franco Mostert has moved from blindside flank (No 7) to lock (No 5).
Still in the Match 23
Current starters who were in the Wales 23
- André Esterhuizen
- Siya Kolisi
- Jasper Wiese
- Franco Mostert
Current replacements who were in the Wales 23
- Zachary Porthen
- Ben-Jason Dixon
Total still in the match 23: 6 players
Players from the Wales 23 not in the latest 23
Starting XV
- Damian Willemse
- Ethan Hooker
- Damian de Allende
- Canan Moodie
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- Morne van den Berg
- Gerhard Steenekamp
- Johan Grobbelaar
- Wilco Louw
- Jean Kleyn
- Ruan Nortje
Replacements
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Asenathi Ntlabakanye
- Eben Etzebeth
- Marco van Staden
- Kwagga Smith
- Cobus Reinach
Continuity Snapshot
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Players retained in starting XV | 4 |
| Players retained in match 23 | 6 |
| Players from Wales 23 not in latest squad | 17 |
The latest selection retains four starters and six members of the overall match-day 23 from the team that faced Wales last November, underlining the extent to which Rassie Erasmus has rotated and expanded his player pool ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
SPRINGBOKS LAST MATCH OF 2025 & FIRST MATCH OF 2026 MATCH SQUADS
| No | Latest Springboks 23 | Wales Test 23 (November) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Aphelele Fassi | Damian Willemse |
| 14 | Cheslin Kolbe | Ethan Hooker |
| 13 | Jesse Kriel | Damian de Allende |
| 12 | André Esterhuizen | André Esterhuizen |
| 11 | Edwill van der Merwe | Canan Moodie |
| 10 | Quan Horn | Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu |
| 9 | Grant Williams | Morne van den Berg |
| 8 | Jasper Wiese | Jasper Wiese |
| 7 | Pieter-Steph du Toit | Franco Mostert |
| 6 | Siya Kolisi (c) | Siya Kolisi |
| 5 | Franco Mostert | Ruan Nortje |
| 4 | Riley Norton | Jean Kleyn |
| 3 | Carlü Sadie | Wilco Louw |
| 2 | André-Hugo Venter | Johan Grobbelaar |
| 1 | Ox Nché | Gerhard Steenekamp |
| 16 | JJ Kotze | Bongi Mbonambi |
| 17 | Ntuthuko Mchunu | Zachary Porthen |
| 18 | Zachary Porthen | Asenathi Ntlabakanye |
| 19 | Ben-Jason Dixon | Eben Etzebeth |
| 20 | Paul de Villiers | Marco van Staden |
| 21 | Evan Roos | Ben-Jason Dixon |
| 22 | Faf de Klerk | Kwagga Smith |
| 23 | Vusi Moyo | Cobus Reinach |
Players Common to Both Match 23s
| Player | Wales Position | Current Position |
|---|---|---|
| André Esterhuizen | 12 | 12 |
| Siya Kolisi | 6 | 6 |
| Jasper Wiese | 8 | 8 |
| Franco Mostert | 7 | 5 |
| Zachary Porthen | 17 | 18 |
| Ben-Jason Dixon | 21 | 19 |
Continuity: 4 of the starting XV remain, while 6 of the overall match 23 are retained.
SA ‘A’ TO PLAY ZIMBABWE SABLES
SOUTH AFRICA A – 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (c), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter.
Bench: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adré Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
France-Sénégal : Boukary Dramé à AFU « Je pense que cela va être un match relevé, engagé »
Ancien défenseur international sénégalais (15 sélections entre 2005 et 2014) notamment passé par le PSG, Sochaux ou le Chievo Vérone et l’Atalanta Bergame Boukary Dramé a livré son ressenti à AFU concernant le choc France-Sénégal dans quelques heures dans le New Jersey.
« Je pense que cela va être un match relevé, engagé. La France s’attend à du lourd. Ca va être un bon match. Les deux équipes sont prêtes. Je pense que la France reste favorite, mais le Sénégal a de quoi faire pour lutter contre elle. », a commenté l’ancien parisien.
The post France-Sénégal : Boukary Dramé à AFU « Je pense que cela va être un match relevé, engagé » appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.
Bok coaches eager to assess uncapped players on their ‘big day’ v BaaBaas
Five uncapped players will be under the microscope when they make their Springbok debuts against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday, with coaches set to assess their prospects with an eye on the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The unofficial Test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will follow the SA ‘A’ clash with Zimbabwe at the same venue, as Springbok coaches use both matches to test their depth amid widespread injuries and the unavailability of the entire Bulls squad, in the build-up to the Nations Championship opener against England on 4 July and the rest of the Test season.
Kolbe and Moyo to kick at goal
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick named their respective Springbok and SA ‘A’ teams on Tuesday.
A surprise decision was the placement of Lions fullback Quan Horn at flyhalf in the Springbok squad, with wing Cheslin Kolbe entrusted to kick at goal until SA U20 star Vusi Moyo comes on from the bench.
“We want to see if Quan Horn can play 10 or 15,” Erasmus said. “Hopefully, that will help in the future with 6-2 splits because we know he can play wing and 15.”
“All of the coaches see something special in him when it comes to 10.
“Then Vusi on the bench, I must say he is one of the guys who really caught the eye in these two weeks. A calm guy, physical, he kicks without effort. We think the two of them can do the job for us.”
Stick added that Kolbe had been kicking for his team, Tokyo Sungoliath, racking up 26 penalties and 45 conversions this season.
“He’s always a back-up for us so I think we are safe there,” Stick said.
Youngsters to grasp their Springbok opportunity
Besides Moyo, Erasmus said SA U20 captain Riley Norton, Stormers players JJ Kotze and Paul de Villiers and Bordeaux-Begles prop Carlu Sadie would hopefully grasp their first Springbok opportunity.
“A guy like Riley has really put up his hand, a guy like Paul de Villiers, he did the best in the fitness test… that’s a hard thing, and he played last weekend.”
Erasmus said Sadie had shown a positive attitude in training and boasted something not many others could: a Champions Cup trophy.
“He’s not old. He came through junior structures and at one stage he had a really bad injury… he is desperate to wear the jersey.”
These players would not be capped, but Erasmus said it would still be a “big day” for them as they represented the country for the first time at senior level.
Changement de Constitution en RDC: après le vote du Parlement, quels obstacles à un éventuel référendum?
Le Parlement congolais a adopté le 15 juin 2026 une proposition de loi fixant les conditions d'organisation du référendum en RDC, lors de la dernière séance de la session ordinaire, qui se déroule de mars à juin. Le texte, adopté par l'Assemblée nationale et le Sénat en termes identiques, sera transmis dans les prochains jours, pour promulgation, au chef de l'État, accusé par l'opposition de vouloir en profiter pour effectuer un troisième mandat. Mais entre la signature de la loi et l'organisation effective d'un référendum, les obstacles restent nombreux.
Canada vs Qatar Prediction: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B
Canada vs Qatar Prediction. Canada host Qatar at BC Place, Vancouver on Friday, 19 June 2026 (00:00 SAST (Friday, 19 June 2026)) in a pivotal Group B clash. Both sides drew on Match Day 1 and all four teams are level on one point. The winner goes top. Canada are hunting their first ever World Cup victory on home soil. Our prediction: Canada to win. Full analysis, line-ups, H2H and all markets on SportPesa.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group B, Match Day 2 |
| Date & kick-off | Friday, 19 June 2026 at 00:00 SAST (Friday, 19 June 2026) |
| Venue | BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Group B standings | After Match Day 1: Canada 1pt, Bosnia & Herzegovina 1pt, Qatar 1pt, Switzerland 1pt — all four sides level |
| Where to watch | DSTV/GOTV |
A level group, a home crowd and a first win in reach
Canada’s World Cup journey entered a new chapter on Match Day 1. As one of the three host nations, the expectation was a statement opening performance. Instead, Jesse Marsch’s side fell behind to a Jovo Lukic opener for Bosnia and Herzegovina before Cyle Larin secured a 1-1 draw. It was Canada’s third ever World Cup appearance and only the first occasion in their seven World Cup matches — including qualifying — that they have managed to equalise after conceding the opening goal. A notable milestone, but the home crowd wanted more.
Canada have never won a World Cup finals match. With a home crowd at BC Place and a Group B table that offers a genuine opportunity, Friday night represents their best chance to change that. Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan, and Larin are all fit and available — Marsch has his full attacking arsenal at his disposal.
Qatar arrive in Vancouver off the back of their own Match Day 1 result: a 94th-minute equaliser against Switzerland that earned a 1-1 draw and defied widespread expectations. Under Julen Lopetegui, the Maroons showed exactly the defensive discipline and collective organisation that their coach is known for. They are ranked significantly below Canada but proved in the opener they will not be passive opponents. Their squad is built almost entirely of players from the Qatar Stars League, raising questions about whether they can maintain that intensity across back-to-back high-pressure knockout matches.
The stakes are identical for both sides. Win and go top of a perfectly balanced group. Lose and face a near-impossible final group match to advance. This is the most consequential fixture either side will play in their tournament campaign.
Team news and expected line-ups
Canada have no injury concerns. Full attacking options available: Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan and Cyle Larin all compete for starting berths. No changes expected from the Bosnia XI.
Qatar are also expected to name the same XI that started against Switzerland. Akram Afif leads the attack as captain with Erdogan Junior and Ali Ali in support. The squad’s depth is limited outside the starting XI.
Line-ups below are expected XIs based on available team news. Update once confirmed XIs are released before kick-off.
| Canada (4-4-2) | Qatar (4-3-3) |
| Crepeau (GK) | Abunada (GK) |
| Johnston (RB) | Al-Oui (RB) |
| De Fougerolles (CB) | Miguel (CB) |
| Cornelius (CB) | Khoukhi (CB) |
| Laryea (LB) | H. Ahmed (LB) |
| Buchanan (RM) | Gaber (DM) |
| Eustaquio (CM) | Laye (DM) |
| Kone (CM) | Junior (RM) |
| Millar (LM) | Madibo (CM) |
| J. David (ST) | Afif (LM) |
| Larin (ST) | Ali (ST) |
Key stats
- Canada: third World Cup appearance. Have never won a World Cup finals match.
- Canada: in 7 World Cup matches (inc. qualifying), conceded the opening goal 6 times. The Bosnia draw was the first time they equalised after going behind.
- Canada form (last 5): D D W D D — drew 1-1 with Bosnia & Herzegovina (WC opener), 1-1 with Republic of Ireland, beat Uzbekistan 2-0, drew 0-0 with Tunisia, drew 2-2 with Iceland.
- Cyle Larin: scored Canada’s equaliser vs Bosnia. Available and expected to start.
- Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich): Canada’s most recognisable player. Full fit.
- Jonathan David: one of Europe’s top scorers in 2024-25. Starts up front.
- Qatar: drew 1-1 with Switzerland via a 94th-minute equaliser on Match Day 1.
- Qatar: guided by Julen Lopetegui. Defensive discipline central to their approach.
- Qatar form (last 5): D D L L D — drew 1-1 with Switzerland (WC opener), 0-0 vs El Salvador, lost to Republic of Ireland 0-1, lost to Tunisia 0-3, drew 1-1 with Syria.
- Qatar: squad composed almost entirely of Qatar Stars League players.
- Qatar: failed to win their last two games in which they scored first.
- H2H: Canada 2-0 Qatar (September 2022, friendly in Austria). Only previous meeting.
- Group B standings (after Match Day 1): Canada 1pt, Bosnia & Herzegovina 1pt, Qatar 1pt, Switzerland 1pt.
Head-to-head
Canada and Qatar have met only once previously: a 2-0 Canada victory in a friendly played in Austria in September 2022, settled by two first-half goals. That is the only competitive data point available. This World Cup Group B match is a very different context.
| Date | Result |
| September 2022 | Canada 2–0 Qatar (Friendly, Austria) |
Current form
| Team | Last 5 (inc. WC opener) |
| Canada | D D W D D |
| Qatar | D D L L D |
Our prediction
Canada have home advantage, the stronger squad on paper, and every motivation to deliver a first World Cup win in front of their own fans. Davies, David, and Buchanan represent a genuine attacking threat that Qatar’s Stars League defensive unit will find difficult to contain across 90 minutes in a packed BC Place.
Qatar demonstrated in their Switzerland draw that they are capable of frustrating better-ranked opposition and staying organised under pressure. The 94th-minute equaliser showed they have the mentality to fight until the final whistle. Afif’s individual quality remains the one match-changing variable for the Maroons.
The form tables favour Canada. Qatar have failed to win in their last five matches. Canada’s previous friendly win over Qatar (2-0) is a relevant reference point, even if friendlies carry limited predictive weight. Home support, squad quality, and the unique occasion of chasing a first World Cup win all point to Canada taking the three points.
Our prediction: Canada to win.
Odds and markets
Odds correct at 0000hrs UTC on 1/06/26 and subject to change.
How to bet on SportPesa
- Open the Canada vs Qatar event page on SportPesa (link above).
- Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
- Enter your stake and place your bet.
Frequently asked questions
Build with Rank Math FAQ block to generate FAQPage schema automatically.
What time does Canada vs Qatar kick off?
Kick-off is at 00:00 SAST (Friday, 19 June 2026) on Friday, 19 June 2026, at BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
What is the Canada vs Qatar head-to-head record?
Canada and Qatar have met only once: a 2-0 Canada win in a friendly in Austria in September 2022. This World Cup Group B match is their first ever competitive encounter.
Has Canada ever won a World Cup match?
No. Canada have never won a FIFA World Cup finals match across their three tournament appearances (1986, 2022, 2026). This game represents their best opportunity yet, playing at home in front of a sell-out crowd at BC Place.
What group are Canada and Qatar in at World Cup 2026?
Both sides are in Group B alongside Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. After Match Day 1, all four sides are level on one point.
Who are Canada’s key players at World Cup 2026?
Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) is Canada’s most recognisable player and captain. Jonathan David is one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. Cyle Larin scored the equaliser against Bosnia. Tajon Buchanan provides pace and directness from wide positions.
READ ALSO :Brazil vs Haiti Preview & Prediction