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

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

South Africa take on Canada at SoFi Stadium in the Round of 32, with kickoff at 21:00 CAT on 28 June. Bafana Bafana reached the last 32 as Group A runners up after a battling campaign, while Jesse Marsch's Canada arrive full of confidence and as clear favourites with the bookmakers. The winner books a place in the Round of 16 and keeps a genuine run at the latter stages alive. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

South Africa

Hugo Broos has built South Africa into a compact, well-drilled side, and in my opinion they will sit deep and look to spring Canada on the counter through their pace out wide. Captain Ronwen Williams has been outstanding in goal and Bafana have leaned on his saves to grind out results, including a 1 nil win over South Korea that sealed second place in the group. Left back Aubrey Modiba came through his fitness concerns and is expected to start, which gives Broos a more balanced backline. My worry is that this attack has looked blunt, with just one goal across their final two group games.

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

Canada

Canada have been the more dynamic team and from my point of view Marsch will want them on the front foot from the first whistle. Jonathan David leads the line in superb form and he is supported by the running of Cyle Larin and the creativity of the likes of Nathan David in midfield. The huge boost is the availability of captain Alphonso Davies, who missed the start of the tournament with a hamstring problem but is now back in contention to start at left back. Canada hammered Qatar 6-nil in the group stage and I expect that attacking quality to be too much for a defensive South Africa.

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

Canada simply have more quality across the pitch and with Davies back I expect them to control the tempo and create the better chances. South Africa will defend in numbers and could frustrate for long spells, but I see Canada finding a way through in a low-scoring game. My forecast: South Africa 0 Canada 2.

BTTS: No (1.72)

I am backing BTTS: No and my read on this is that South Africa carry very little threat going forward, having managed only one goal in their last two matches. Broos will set up to keep things tight and Canada have the defensive personnel, in Bombito and Cornelius, to keep a clean sheet. At 1.72 this looks the strongest source of value in the match.