South Africa's surprise victory over South Korea in their final Group A fixture set up a clash against co-hosts Canada in the last 32.
Les Rouges lost to Switzerland in their final group game, a defeat which now means Jesse Marsch's men will play this knockout clash in California rather than remain in Vancouver.
Despite that loss to the Swiss, Canada have an excellent chance of progressing to the last 16.
South Africa may have improved as the tournament has gone on, but Bafana Bafana look set to come up against a team determined to secure their first-ever World Cup knockout stage win.
The winner of this tie will face a blockbuster clash against either the Netherlands or Morocco in the last 16.
South Africa vs. Canada betting picks and predictions
Canada to win (-143)
Following South Africa's toothless opening defeat to Mexico, a spot in the knockouts looked a long way off.
A 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic was followed by that 1-0 victory over the Koreans that saw Bafana Bafana make history.
Canada's group stage was a mixed bag. Marsch's side had plenty of chances to seal all three points against Bosnia, yet had to settle for a draw.
Improvement was made against Qatar, hitting the Arab side for six goals, before suffering a loss to the Swiss.
Hopes will be high of victory, however, entering this clash. South Africa's win over Korea was the first for Hugo Broos' side in 2026 and it is likely that Canada have far too much firepower.
As such, expect Les Rouges to produce the goods at the SoFi Stadium on Sunday as the first of the knockout stages finally gets underway.
Both teams to score (+105)
South Africa have scored in two of their three group games and the confidence gained from the win over Korea will inspire confidence that the Canadian goal can be breached.
Across Bafana Bafana's previous 12 matches since the start of November 2025, both teams have scored in eight of those.
Four of Canada's last seven matches has seen both teams finding the back of the net and goals have been conceded against the likes of Bosnia, Republic of Ireland and Iceland in recent months.
Broos and his men have nothing to lose ahead of this tie, especially having become the first South African side to reach this stage of the tournament.
Canada should emerge victorious, but expect both teams to score in this intriguing tie.
Jonathan David to score anytime (+175)
Juventus frontman Jonathan David failed to get on the scoresheet during the opening match, but he more than made up for that with a hat-trick against Qatar.
Those were his first goals at the World Cup, but David will be looking to add to his tally.
His strike rate for the national team is superb, scoring 42 goals across 80 matches.
With three goals already this summer, David remains firmly in the hunt for the Golden Boot and it would be no surprise to see him find the back of the net against Bafana Bafana.
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South Africa vs. Canada odds
South Africa | +425 |
Tie | +260 |
Canada | -143 |
South Africa vs. Canada player props
Anytime goalscorer
Jonathan David (Canada) | +175 |
Cyle Larin (Canada) | +200 |
Tajon Buchanan (Canada) | +300 |
Ali Ahmed (Canada) | +500 |
Oswin Appollis (South Africa) | +500 |
Evidence Makgopa (South Africa) | +400 |
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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.
