South Africa vs Canada Tips, Odds & Prediction for World Cup 2026

* Odds from Betway, accurate at the time of writing.

South Africa face Canada at SoFi Stadium in the Round of 32, kicking off at 21:00 CAT on 28 June. Bafana Bafana made the last 32 as Group A runners up after a gritty campaign, whereas Jesse Marsch's Canada come in brimming with confidence and as the bookies' clear favourites. Whoever wins goes into the Round of 16 with a real shot at a deep run still on. You can find all our World Cup betting tips in our dedicated section.

South Africa

Hugo Broos has turned South Africa into a compact, disciplined team, and I think they will drop deep and try to catch Canada on the break using their speed on the flanks. Captain Ronwen Williams has been brilliant between the posts, and Bafana have relied on his saves to scrape out results, such as the 1 nil victory over South Korea that clinched second spot in the group. Left back Aubrey Modiba has shaken off his fitness worries and should start, giving Broos a better balanced defence. My concern is that the attack has lacked bite, with only one goal in their last two group matches.

Expected Lineup: Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Mbatha; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.

Canada

Canada have been the more energetic side, and I think Marsch will want them going forward right from kick-off. Jonathan David is leading the line in excellent form, backed by the movement of Cyle Larin and the creativity of players like Nathan David in midfield. The big lift is having captain Alphonso Davies available, as he sat out the start of the tournament with a hamstring injury but is now pushing to start at left back. Canada thumped Qatar 6-nil in the group stage, and I think that attacking quality will be too much for a defensive South Africa.

Expected Lineup: Crepeau; Davies, Cornelius, de Fougerolles, Johnston; Ahmed, Saliba, Choiniere, Buchanan; David, Larin.

Canada just have more quality all over the field, and with Davies back I think they will dictate the pace and create the better openings. South Africa will get bodies behind the ball and might frustrate them for long periods, but I see Canada breaking through in a low-scoring match. My forecast: South Africa 0 Canada 2.

BTTS: No (1.72)

My pick is BTTS: No, as I believe South Africa offer very little going forward after scoring just one goal in their last two games. Broos will look to keep it tight, and Canada have the defenders, Bombito and Cornelius, to keep a clean sheet. At 1.72 this looks like the best value in the game.