Canada and South Africa meet in the World Cup Round of 32 knockout stage today. The match is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Canada-South Africa will broadcast live on FOX.
South Africa vs Canada odds list Canada as a -120 favorite on the moneyline while South Africa is a +390 underdog. The over/under is 2.5 (+130o / -160u). Canada is -125 to cover the spread (-0.5) and South Africa is -105 to cover (+0.5).
Let's get into my South Africa vs Canada predictions — plus the latest odds, starting lineups, viewing information, moneyline and over/under betting trends, props and more.
South Africa vs Canada Predictions, Picks
- Picks: Canada To Qualify & Under 3.5 Total Goals
My Canada vs. South Africa best bet is for Canada to advance to the next round in a match that features fewer than 3.5 total goals.
South Africa vs Canada Odds (Round of 32)
| Canada Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -125 | 2.5 130o / -160u | -120 |
| South Africa Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -105 | 2.5 130o / -160u | +390 |
South Africa vs Canada Preview: New World Cup Territory
This is uncharted territory for both Canada and South Africa, as neither nation has ever competed in a knockout match at this level.
While Canada was largely expected to advance as a co-host, South Africa's progression is a remarkable story of resilience after a poor start. The winner faces a formidable challenge against either Morocco or the Netherlands.
Canada's roster, featuring talent from top European leagues, gives them a clear edge on paper. However, they will feel the pressure of being the favorite for the first time in a high-stakes elimination game.
South Africa's strategy under manager Hugo Broos has been to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, a style that proved effective in the group stage. They have relinquished possession, averaging just 44.3% in the tournament, but have proven dangerous in key moments.
Canada must play with a high tempo to break down South Africa's organized defense.
This will be the first-ever official meeting between the two countries, with their only prior encounter being a 2-0 friendly win for South Africa in 2007.
Canada's limited experience against African nations at the tournament consists of a 2-1 loss to Morocco in 2022, adding another layer of intrigue to this historic clash.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Canada vs. South Africa picks.
South Africa vs Canada World Cup Parlay
- Canada To Qualify (-295)
- Under 3.5 Total Goals (-450)
Parlay odds: -155 (DraftKings)
Canada enters this matchup as the favorite, and for good reason. The squad boasts superior individual talent, with players like Jonathan David and Cyle Larin leading an attack that has been clinical.
David's underlying metrics, including a 2.59 expected goals (xG) tally in the group stage, rank him among the most dangerous forwards in the competition.
While South Africa has shown defensive resilience, their attack has been lackluster, generating just 1.95 expected goals from open play across three matches.
Combining Canada's qualification with a total goals under provides a way to back the stronger team while acknowledging the typically tight nature of knockout stage soccer.
Historically, these matches see fewer goals, and with six of South Africa’s last seven games going under 2.5 goals, this trend seems likely to continue.
South Africa vs Canada Props
- Thapelo Maseko – Shot On Target From Outside The Box (8.00; bet365; 0.25 units)
South Africa’s resurgence in this World Cup has been remarkable, and the adventurous play of Thapelo Maseko has been a key part of that. The winger is willing to run with the ball and have shots from distance. That’s why we are backing him to have a shot on target from outside the box in this match.
Maseko didn’t feature in South Africa’s opening game against Mexico. Hugo Broos’ side were incredibly poor in that game, having just three attempts, but they found their feet on matchday two.
Maseko was a bright spark as South Africa drew 1-1 with Czechia in their second game. He played 84 minutes in that
game, having 37 touches and a total of three attempts. Two of those attempts came from outside the box.
Thapelo was even more effective in South Africa’s final group game, scoring the only goal as they beat South Korea, ensuring the team advanced to the knockout stage. Maseko had four shots in that game, two of which came from outside the box.
None of Maseko’s four shots from outside the area in the World Cup so far have hit the target. Two of those have been blocked by opposition defenders, while two have been off target. However, Maseko’s willingness to shoot from distance makes the odds for this bet appealing.
South Africa vs Canada Starting Lineups
South Africa Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Williams
- Defenders: Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba
- Midfielders: Mbatha, Mokoena, Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis
- Forwards: Makgopa
Canada Starting Lineup (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Crepeau
- Defenders: Johnston, Cornelius, Bombito, Laryea
- Midfielders: Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Millar
- Forwards: David, Oluwaseyi
South Africa vs Canada Betting Trends
- 86% of bets and 84% of money are on the total to go over 2.5 goals
- 65% of bets and 68% of money are on Canada's moneyline
How to Watch South Africa vs Canada
- Date: Sunday, June 28
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
- TV Channel: FOX
- Streaming: FOX One
South Africa vs Canada Weather
It will be around 72°F and sunny for the South Africa-Canada match in Los Angeles. There is only a 10% probability of precipitation. None of this will factor into the match as it will be played inside SoFi Stadium.
