Canada secured four points in the group stages to finish second in Group B and now have a chance to make a deeper run in the World Cup as they take on something of a surprise package in the shape of South Africa in the last 32.
Bafana Bafana picked up just one point from their first two games and appeared to be in real danger of falling at the first hurdle, but an impressive win over South Korea in their final group game ensured they finished as the runners-up behind Mexico in Group A.
Canada have grown into the tournament after a low-key start. Jesse Marsch's side were held by Bosnia in their opener before thrashing minnows Qatar.
The Canucks finished the World Cup group phase with a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland, but they were unfortunate not to claim at least a point in that contest.
South Africa v Canada Tips Summary
Best Bet - Canada to win @ 13/20
Alternative Bet - Jonathan David to score anytime @ 6/4
Bet Builder - Jonathan David to score, Cyle Larin 1+ shots on target, Evidence Makgopa 1+ shots on target & Sphephelo Sithole to be booked @ 25/1
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South Africa v Canada Prediction
Best Bet: Both Canada to win @ 13/20
Canada are the favourites to win this game and they can justify that position by beating South Africa inside 90 minutes.
For the first time of the tournament, the Canucks won't be playing on home soil, but they effectively still have a clear home advantage at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, as their supporters will vastly outnumber their counterparts.
Marsch has confirmed that Bayern Munich man Alphonso Davies is fit to feature against South Africa after missing the three group games and his return should provide Canada with a welcome boost.
However, they still look a stronger group than Bafana Bafana even if Davies isn’t involved, or is limited to an appearance as a substitute.
Canada's performances have been at a higher level than South Africa's over the course of the tournament and if they can produce a similar display to the one they managed against the Swiss they should be able to secure a last-16 spot in normal time.
Alternative Bet: Jonathan David to score anytime @ 6/4
Along with Davies, forward Jonathan David is one of the star men in the Canada side and he looks a strong contender for an anytime effort.
David hit a hat-trick in the win over Qatar before a fairly subdued performance by his own standards against the Swiss.
The 26-year-old drew a blank in the final group game but still managed two shots, and he has an excellent strike-rate for his country with 42 goals in 80 games.
Juventus striker David is Canada’s all-time leading goalscorer and he can add to his haul and help fire his side into the last 16
South Africa v Canada Bet Builder Tip
- Jonathan David to score
- Cyle Larin 1+ shots on target
- Evidence Makgopa 1+ shots on target
- Sphephelo Sithole to be booked
Pays 25/1
A David goal has been tipped as a single and should also be added to this Bet Builder for the first World Cup knockout game.
Fellow Canada forward Cyle Larin can also make an impact in attack with a shot on target. He scored against both Bosnia and Qatar and also recorded one shot on target against Switzerland.
South Africa’s Evidence Makgopa should keep his place as the focal point in attack for Hugo Broos' side and he can record at least one attempt on target.
Makgopa made his first start against South Korea and had one shot on target, while he also had two attempts with one on target as a substitute against Czech Republic.
Sphephelo Sithole was sent off for Bafana Bafana against Mexico and committed a foul against South Korea.
He had six cards in 26 league games for Portuguese side Tondela in 2025/26 and he looks a contender for a booking.
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Key Match Stats
- South Africa finished second in Group A with four points (1W, 1D, 1L), having scored two goals and conceded three
- Canada finished second in Group B with a similar record, but scored eight goals and conceded three
- South Africa’s win over South Korea ended a seven-game winless run (D4, L3)
- Canada were unbeaten in 10 games before defeat to Switzerland (W4, D6)
- Both teams have scored in three of Canada’s last four games
- These sides have met just once previously. South Africa claimed a 2-0 friendly win in 2007
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
