South Africa vs. Canada Prediction: FIFA World Cup Odds, Betting Picks
The Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off Sunday with co-host Canada facing South Africa at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Both teams finished second in their respective groups with four points apiece. The Canadians, however, had a much stronger goal differential in the group stage at plus-five compared to minus-1 for South Africa.
With both teams playing in the knockout stage for the first time ever, who will advance to the Round of 16?
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
South Africa vs. Canada FIFA World Cup: How to Watch and Match Info
Time: Sunday, June 28 at 3 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+, CTV, Crave
Weather: Sunny, 25°C, wind 13 km/h (SoFi Stadium is covered by a translucent domed roof, so weather won’t be a factor)
South Africa vs. Canada Betting Odds
Canada is a sizeable -135 favourite to win, while South Africa is a +400 underdog and a regulation draw is listed at +250. The winner of this game will head to Houston on July 4 to face the winner of Netherlands vs. Morocco.
The total is listed at 2.5, with the Over priced at +120. While South Africa only scored twice in the group stage, Canada had eight goals and surpassed the 2.5 total in two of three games.
South Africa vs. Canada Predicted Starting XI Lineups
South Africa Starting XI: 4-2-3-1
Ronwen Williams
Khuliso Mudau | Mbekezeli Mbokazi | Ime Okon | Aubrey Modiba
Thalente Mbatha | Teboho Mokoena
Thapelo Maseko | Relebohile Mofokeng | Oswin Appollis
Evidence Makgopa
Canada Predicted Starting XI: 4-4-2
Maxime Crepeau
Alistair Johnston | Luc de Fougerolles | Derek Cornelius | Richie Laryea
Tajon Buchanan | Stephen Eustaquio | Nathan Saliba | Ali Ahmed
Jonathan David | Cyle Larin
South Africa FIFA World Cup Odds and News
It looked like a tough road to the knockout stage for South Africa after opening the tournament with a 2-0 loss against Mexico. However, Bafana Bafana battled back to draw Czechia 1-1 before an improbable 1-0 win over South Korea. Teboho Mokoena had the goal against Czechia, while Thapelo Maseko scored the winner against South Korea, arguably the biggest goal in the country’s history.
Mokoena actually missed the South Korea game due to a suspension, but he’ll be back in the lineup on Sunday. However, Themba Zwane is still suspended following his red card against Mexico. Mokoena taking Yaya Sithole’s place in the starting XI is the only expected change.
Canada FIFA World Cup Odds and News
Canada missed out on winning Group B because of a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in the group stage finale. It was costly loss for Les Rouges, who would have won the group with a win or a draw, earning the right to stay in Vancouver while getting an extra four days off. Canada is now the first host nation of a World Cup to play a tournament game outside their own country.
The biggest question for the Canadian lineup is clearly captain Alphonso Davies, who didn’t play in the group stage because of a hamstring injury. Coach Jesse Marsch admitted to using Davies as a decoy through the first three games, so it’s tough to believe him when he says Davies will be available on Sunday. Even if Davies plays, he won’t be in the starting XI and will likely be used as a late sub.
South Africa vs. Canada Player Odds and Props
Jonathan David 2+ shots on target (+115)
Canada’s attack runs through Jonathan David, who had a hat-trick against Qatar. He’s averaging just over two shots on target through three World Cup games and he’s also Canada’s primary penalty taker.
Cyle Larin anytime goal (+175)
Cyle Larin has fully locked down the spot riding shotgun next to Jonathan David, so he’ll have plenty of chances. Larin also just seems to have the clutch gene, scoring Canada’s opening goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
These teams are obviously massive World Cup long shots, with Canada sitting at +12,500 to win the tournament and South Africa listed at +25,000. Still, one team will reach at least the Round of 16, which is impressive given Canada entered the tournament at No. 30 in the FIFA world rankings, while South Africa was No. 60.
With Canada a pretty sizeable favourite against South Africa, my best bet is Les Rouges to make the Round of 16 (-140).
South Africa vs. Canada Score Prediction
Final score prediction: South Africa 0 | Canada 2
Even with Canada dealing with some injury issues, they are still a far superior squad and should control the pace against South Africa.