South Africa
World CupWhy this tip?
If Bafana stays disciplined and frustrates Canada, they can keep it tight for long spells and snatch a goal or two on the break. I am backing the boys to beat Canada 2-1.
Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Round of 32
Date: 28 June 2026
Kick-off time: 21:00 (SA Time)
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California
Match Details
Canada will be disappointed with their 2-1 loss to Switzerland as they lost the top spot in the Group. They will now need to travel to California to face South Africa and not play in Vancouver at home. Bafana will be in a confident mood after a win and draw in their last two group matches. Both nations will believe they have a genuine chance of reaching the last 16. The match will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with kick-off scheduled for Sunday, 28 June at 21:00 SA time for viewers in Mzansi.
Why This Match Matters
It is the first time in both South Africa’s and Canada’s football history that they have progressed past the group stage of the FIFA World Cup. It is fair to say that this is the biggest match in both these countries’ football history. Bafana qualified from the brink of elimination while Canada all but secured qualification after a win and draw in their opening two matches. They will become the first host nation to play a match outside of their country because of them finishing second in the group and this could be the advantage Bafana are looking for.
South Africa vs Canada Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
These teams have met only once before in a match that saw South Africa emerge victorious 2-0 in 2007. This means that for Canada, the team will be seeking to change the trend of losing all three previous matches played against African teams.
South Africa’s Recent Form
South Africa’s last five matches: DDLDW
Recent results include:
29/05/2026 (Friendly): South Africa 0-0 Nicaragua
06/06/2026 (Friendly): Jamaica 1-1 South Africa
11/06/2026 (World Cup): Mexico 2-0 South Africa
18/06/2026 (World Cup): Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
25/06/2026 (World Cup): South Africa 1-0 South Korea
Recent form: Bafana had an awful record coming into the World Cup and after losing their opening match 2-0 to Mexico, it looked like they would be returning home. They clawed their way back from a goal down against Czechia to force a draw and produced a brilliant defensive effort In beating the much fancied Koreans 1-0. They would be hoping it’s a case of peaking at the right time.
Canada’s Recent Form
Canada’s last five matches: WWWWW
Recent results include:
22/06/26 (World Cup): Argentina 2-0 Austria
17/06/2026 (World Cup): Argentina 3-0 Algeria
08/06/2026 (Friendly): Argentina 3-0 Iceland
04/06/2026 (Friendly): Argentina 2-0 Honduras
29/03/2026 (Friendly): Argentina 5-0 Zambia
Recent form: Canada were on an eight-game unbeaten run before the World Cup and looked to be in prime position to qualify form their group. They began slowly with a 1-1 draw with Bosnia before exploding into life with a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar. The Canadian roller coaster form was complete when they went down to Switzerland in their final group match. That loss means they will play Bafana in the US instead of Vancouver.
Team News
South Africa Team News
Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is expected to keep faith with much of the side that impressed in the final group-stage victory over South Korea. The tactical changes paid off, and a similar performance will be needed if Bafana Bafana are to progress to the Round of 16. Yaya Sithole made an immediate impact after returning from suspension, delivering an outstanding display in midfield and adding steel and composure to the team. However, Teboho Mokoena is available again after serving his suspension and could return to the starting XI, potentially replacing Thalente Mbatha in the midfield alongside Sithole.
Injuries: There are no injury concerns.
Suspensions: Themba Zwane is still suspended.
Key players to watch: Bafana need another captain’s performance from Ronwen Williams as he has to keep things solid in goal, especially if Canada piles on pressure. At the back, Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba must stay focused throughout. In midfield, Teboho Mokoena and Yaya Sithole will do the dirty work and keep things ticking. Going forward, last game hero Thapelo Maseko,Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa will look to cause problems on the break.
Canada Team News
Canada have received a timely boost ahead of their Round of 32 clash against South Africa, with Alphonso Davies closing in on his first appearance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Bayern Munich full-back has yet to feature in the tournament after recovering from a hamstring injury, but he is expected to return to action against Bafana Bafana. While a place in the starting XI is not guaranteed, Davies is likely to play some part in the match, providing Canada with added pace, experience and attacking threat down the left flank.Ismael Kone suffered a tibia fracture against Qatar in Canada’s second match of the tournament, and he could be joined on the sidelines by Alfie Jones (fitness).
Injuries: Alphonso Davies is doubtful while Ismael Kone is out with a fractured tibia.
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: The key man in attack and defence is Alphonso Davies with his speed and attacking runs that can change a game in seconds while Tajon Buchanan brings direct running and unpredictability. In midfield, Stephen Eustáquio and Mathieu Choinière help control the tempo and link play, with Ali Ahmed offering energy and creativity in advanced areas.Up front, the main goal threats are Jonathan David and Cyle Larin who can convert any half chances in the opposition box with their pace and finishing ability.
Predicted Lineups
South Africa Predicted XI
Ronwen Williams (captain); Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Yaya Sithole; Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis; Evidence Makgopa.
Canada Predicted XI
Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc De Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius,Alphonso Davies,Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Mathieu Choinière Saliba, Ali Ahmed; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.
Best Betting Markets for South Africa vs Canada
Match Winner
Prediction: South Africa to win @ (5.50) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals @(2.20) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score- Yes @ (2.10) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Iqraam Rayners to score anytime @ (4.50) at Easybet
South Africa vs Canada Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: South Africa to win and Over 2.5 goals @(10.0) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: South Africa 2-1 Canada @ (21.00) at Easybet
With the action of the World Cup group stage heating up, there are still loads of other football matches taking place. Topbets’ Daily Football Predictions has got you covered with all the latest tips and predictions for the footie action taking place every day.
Match analysis and verdict
In recent years when Bafana adopted “the defend at all costs” approach, it has always backfired on them like in the first-round loss to Mexico. They will still need to be compact and organised at the back led by Captain Ronwen Williams but they also need to look for opportunities against Canada on the break. At the back, Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba will have their hands full dealing with Canada’s pace and wide play. In midfield, Teboho Mokoena and Yaya Sithole will need to slow the game down at key moments and stop Canada from building momentum.
Canada, on the other hand, will try to impose themselves through width and quick transitions. Alphonso Davies is the main danger, his speed from left-back or wide areas can completely change the rhythm of the match. Tajon Buchanan adds more direct running, while Jonathan David and Cyle Larin will look to punish any defensive lapses in the box.
If Bafana stays disciplined and frustrates Canada, they can keep it tight for long spells and snatch a goal or two on the break. I am backing the boys to beat Canada 2-1.
Prediction: South Africa 2-1 Canada
Writer / Betting tipster
I am what you call a sporting all-rounder with my favourite sports being rugby, football and cricket. I have been actively writing rugby and football articles for the last decade. These include previews, reviews and interesting topical pieces. I am a huge fan of Liverpool and a passionate supporter of the Springboks. My interests in recent years have also included iGaming as this is one of the fastest growing betting markets. Follow me for the best rugby odds in South Africa as I continue to find you the best bookie to place your bets.
