Canada vs. South Africa prediction, picks, odds, betting preview, World Cup 2026 start time on Sunday

The knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup have arrived, starting with the co-hosts Canada faced with taking South Africa per week. The Canadians advanced to the tumultuous group stage despite the loss in Switzerland in their last game, while South Africa progressed thanks to a stunning 1-0 win over South Korea. Both teams were beaten for the first time. Kickoff in Inglewood, Calif. scheduled for 3pm ET.

The latest odds for Canada vs. South Africa from FanDuel have Canada listed as -140 favorites on the 90-minute money line while South Africa are +460 underdogs and the draw is priced at +240. Meanwhile, the Over/Under for total goals is 2.5 goals. There is no shortage of other football betting options at FanDuel, where you can use the latest FanDuel promo code to get $350 in bonus bets if your $5 bet for seven days.

You can find more Canada vs South Africa picks and other World Cup bets from SportsLine experts like Brad Thomas, Jon Eimer and Martin Green. Anyone who follows theirs World Cup betting Tips in sportsbooks and betting apps could see huge profits.

Canada vs. Opportunities in South Africa

Canada vs South Africa betting preview

Canada’s path through the group stage was tumultuous. Jonathan David’s memorable performance helped Bosnia draw 1-1, followed by a 6-0 thrashing. Qatar that saw David score a hat trick, but midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a serious leg injury in the process. Canada lost 2-1 to Switzerland but still has enough points to advance.

Led by fiery coach Jesse Marsch, Canada is a talented team that sometimes can’t come together to get through. When David is at his best, as he was against Qatar, he can kill. But there are also games — like the Bosnia game — where it seems he can’t hit the wide side of the goal. Which version of the star striker he will come up with when he faces South Africa will be the key. Another important factor will be the status of the defender Alphonso Davies. The man from Bayern Munich has not played in this World Cup as he has recovered from a series of injuries. Marsch said he might be available when they face South Africa, but he said the same before the Switzerland match before revealing that he used Davies as a “fool” to make the Swiss waste time in their preparations.

In South Africa, a bad start against it in Mexico improved by drawing 1-1 Czechia and defeating South Korea. Most of the teams play in the local league and few expected South Africa to reach this stage, not to mention that it will come second. The day against the Canadians will be tough, but the game against South Korea showed that Bofana Bofana can handle the pressure. This has been the World Cup for the underdog and it would be foolish to count South Africa out completely.

A tight game is expected as both sides are not overflowing with attacking talent. Expect this one to stick around.

Canada vs. South Africa selection, forecast

Both teams to score (+104)

South Africa slowly improved as the tournament progressed. They have not scored more than one goal in a game in this tournament, but Bofana Bofana’s one-goal performance takes us to where we need to go if Canada also gets a goal as it should.

Cyle Larin top scorer in any period including overtime (+170)

A long time player in the Canadian team, Larin has scored two goals in this World Cup and is always visible when Canada needs a goal. It will not be a surprise if he scores in Canada’s first ever cricket match.