Canada vs. South Africa Prediction, Odds, & Best Bets: World Cup 2026

Canada will face South Africa in the Round of 32 on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with both teams looking for their first win in a World Cup knockout round. 

While Canada is the -142 soccer odds favourite at the BetMGM sportsbook to advance, South Africa won’t mind playing the underdog role. It upset South Korea 1-0 in the last group match, guaranteeing its place in the knockout stage after finishing second in Group A.

Canada vs. South Africa Odds, Spread, Over Under

Canada vs. South Africa Prediction

I predict Canada will win a tightly contested match, 2-1. 

While Canada has its deficiencies, it plays at an upbeat tempo that should trouble a South African side prone to making mistakes. 

Nobody but those in Canada’s inner circle knows what’s going on with superstar Alphonso Davies, who didn’t feature in the group stage. 

Jesse Marsch indicated that Davies would play against Switzerland, only for the head coach to say, following the match, that he never intended the team’s captain to feature.

Canada’s chances of progressing, at least in this match, shouldn’t depend on Davies’ availability. However, Stephen Eustaquio’s presence, in my opinion, is critical to Canada’s chances of advancing to the Round of 16.

He missed the opening 68 minutes against Switzerland due to muscle tightness, but he should be ready to start on Sunday. 

The glue that secures the formation and the team’s defensive solidity, Eustaquio is the leader in Davies’ absence. He’s also excellent on the ball, distributing accurately while rarely making the wrong pass. 

South Africa, ranked 54th in the world, lacks an elite forward, and Canada, ranked 32nd, will likely have an easier time than it did with the more accomplished Swiss attack. 

However, Luc de Fourgerolles struggled at times against Switzerland, which might force Marsch’s hand and prompt him to turn to Moïse Bombito. It would be a risk, as Bombito hasn’t started since breaking his leg in October. 

That said, Bombito is much more experienced and stable than de Fourgerolles. I’m also concerned by de Fourgerolles’ more slender physique, as South Africa is robust in attacking positions. 

That’s where I expect South Africa to focus its attack if de Fourgerolles starts, using high balls to unsettle the 20-year-old.

Canada will get its chances offensively, leading to two goals and its first-ever Round of 16 berth. 

Prediction: Canada 2 – 1 South Africa 

Canada vs. South Africa Best Bets

I’m going with the safer play: Canada to win the contest and advance. The World Cup odds of that occurring are -142, which carries a 58.82% probability. 

I’m also drawn to Canada to advance in a match with three goals or fewer. Both teams will prioritize playing sound, no-nonsense defensive soccer, and I don’t foresee either team breaking this match open. 

The odds for Canada and under 3.5 goals are +120, accompanying a 45.45% probability. 

World Cup Betting Odds