Get our South Africa vs Canada prediction, lineups, and betting tips for Sunday's match. Find the best odds and bet builder picks for this World Cup clash.
South Africa vs Canada Match Summary
Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Match Date | Sunday 28 June 2026 |
Match Time | 20:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Los Angeles Stadium |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | RTE 2 |
South Africa and Canada meet at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday for a World Cup 2026 Round of 32 tie, with a last-16 place on the line for both nations.
South Africa are into their first ever World Cup knockout match, having booked their spot with a historic 1-0 win over South Korea to finish second in Group A.
Canada make history of their own as the first co-host nation to play a knockout tie outside their own borders, arriving here after a final-game defeat to Switzerland.
The two sides have met just once before, a friendly back in 2007 that South Africa won 2-0. The bookies, though, make Canada the firm favourites this time.
South Africa vs Canada Form
South Africa took the hard road through Group A, losing 2-0 to Mexico before a stubborn 1-1 draw with Czechia and that famous 1-0 win over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko's winner sent them through. The win backs a hit rate of four from their last ten.
Canada blew hot and cold, drawing 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, hammering Qatar 6-0, then losing 2-1 to Switzerland. Jonathan David was the standout, helping himself to a hat-trick against Qatar. Their win market hit rate sits at five from the last ten.
South Africa vs Canada Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
South Africa: Themba Zwane (Suspended)
Canada: Ismael Koné (Injured/out)
South Africa
Themba Zwane misses out after his three-game ban for the red card against Mexico was upheld. Beyond that, South Africa are likely to keep faith with the side that beat South Korea, naming an unchanged team.
Canada
Canada are expected to revert to the team that served them well in their first two outings after making changes against Switzerland. Ismael Koné is out for the rest of the tournament with a broken leg, while Stephen Eustaquio should partner Nathan Saliba in the engine room.
South Africa vs Canada Predicted Lineup
South Africa
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: R. Williams; K. Mudau, M. Mbokazi, I. Okon, A. Modiba; Y. Sithole, T. Mbatha; T. Maseko, R. Mofokeng, O. Appollis; E. Makgopa
Canada
Formation: 4-4-2
Predicted Starting Lineup: M. Crépeau; A. Johnston, D. Cornelius, L. D. Fougerolles, R. Laryea; T. Buchanan, S. Eustaquio, N. Saliba, A. Ahmed; C. Larin, J. David
South Africa vs Canada Key Stats & Match Facts
Canada scored eight goals across their three group games, with six of those coming in one ruthless afternoon against Qatar.
In that 6-0 win over Qatar, Canada dominated with 79% possession and racked up 19 corners to their opponents' one.
South Africa showed plenty of attacking intent in their 1-1 draw with Czechia, landing 17 shots and enjoying 60% of the ball.
Cyle Larin has found the net in two of his last three FIFA World Cup appearances.
Canada have racked up seven or more corners in each of their last three FIFA World Cup matches.
South Africa vs Canada Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: Canada are the favourites here and it is easy to see why. South Africa have battled impressively, but Canada have the firepower up top to settle this one and reach the last 16. A 2-0 win for the Canucks looks the most likely outcome.
Best Bets
Canada to win at 3/4 with AK Bets is the sensible starting point. They have genuine quality in attack, they are the better side on paper, and a straightforward win looks well within them against a South African outfit that has done brilliantly just to get here.
Both Teams To Score No at 3/4 with AK Bets complements that selection. South Africa struggled to score consistently in the group stage and Canada's defensive solidity when at their best should keep the hosts quiet, fitting neatly with a clean-sheet win for the Canucks.
South Africa vs Canada Bet Builder
Our three-leg bet builder backs Cyle Larin to score anytime, Over 6.5 Canada corners and Over 1.5 South Africa cards, priced at a tasty 11/1.
Larin has scored in two of his last three FIFA World Cup appearances, so the Canadian frontman taking his chance against this South Africa back line makes plenty of sense.
Canada have had seven or more corners in each of their last three FIFA World Cup matches, so Over 6.5 away corners lines up nicely with how they go about their business.
South Africa's defence likes to get stuck in, and with Over 1.5 home cards landing in five of their last seven, this leg adds plenty of beef to the price.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 11/1.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
South Africa vs Canada Talking Points
There's a neat bit of history here. The only previous meeting between these two was a friendly in 2007 that South Africa won 2-0, a game in which current Canada assistant Paul Stalteri was sent off after conceding a penalty. This time the stakes are far higher, with both nations playing knockout football at this tournament for the first time. Canada boss Jesse Marsch reckons being away from home could actually help his players, cutting out the distractions and circus of playing on Canadian soil. Whether that proves the case or not, the co-hosts are firm favourites to book a last-16 date and continue this remarkable run.
South Africa vs Canada Predictions FAQs
When is the South Africa vs Canada World Cup 2026 game?
The South Africa vs Canada World Cup 2026 match is scheduled to take place on Sunday 28 June 2026 at 20:00 UK time.
What is the prediction for South Africa vs Canada?
Our prediction for South Africa vs Canada highlights a closely contested World Cup match, with both teams looking to secure crucial points.
What are the best betting tips for South Africa vs Canada?
The best betting tips for South Africa vs Canada focus on key player matchups, potential goals, and the latest match odds.
Where can I find South Africa vs Canada lineups?
You can find the confirmed South Africa vs Canada lineups and team news in our dedicated match preview section once they are announced.
Disclaimer
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