South Africa and Canada advocate strengthening ties before World Cup match

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and trade, just ahead of their countries' clash in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.

Ramaphosa shared on social media platform X that the leaders committed to strengthening their ties, while maintaining a clear preference for their respective national teams' success in the upcoming match. He highlighted the existing close and consolidated relationship between South Africa and Canada, particularly in multilateral forums and shared priorities concerning trade, investment, energy, and agriculture.

The two leaders extended well wishes to their national soccer teams, the Bafana Bafana and the Reds, and agreed to reconnect after the game. The match, part of the World Cup's round of 16, is scheduled to begin on Sunday and conclude on July 3.

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Ambos deseamos suerte a nuestras respectivas selecciones nacionales y acordamos volver a hablar tras el partido.