South Africa vs Canada Prediction & Picks - World Cup
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by Bradley Gibbs | in World Cup Picks
On Sunday afternoon, the first knockout game of the 2026 World Cup will get underway, with South Africa taking on Canada in California.
Having played all three of their group games on home soil, the Canadians will now travel across the border and play in the US for the first time at this tournament. Fortunately, they have what can only be described as a big chance against weak opposition.
The South Africans caused a serious upset by beating the South Koreans last time out, reaching the knockouts for the first time ever. Can they now kick on and cause an even bigger shock? The answer is no, so much so that we should not fear betting on the Canucks to come out on top.
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South Africa vs Canada Form
South Africa and Canada Latest Matches
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 24, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 18, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 11, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 29, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 24, 2026 - World Cup
May 29, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 27, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jan 4, 2026 - AFCON
Dec 22, 2025 - AFCON
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 18, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 11, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
Dec 29, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 26, 2025 - AFCON
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 24, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 18, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 12, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 5, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jun 1, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 18, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 12, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 5, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jun 1, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 28, 2026 - International Friendlies
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 24, 2026 - World Cup
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Sep 9, 2025 - International Friendlies
Sep 5, 2025 - International Friendlies
Jun 21, 2025 - CONCACAF Gold Cup
Nov 15, 2024 - CONCACAF Nations League
South Africa - Canada: Form Analysis
After their rather horrendous opening-game display against the Mexicans, whom they lost 2-0 against, without ever really landing a glove on their opponents, the South Africans appeared to be on their way to a second defeat against the Czechs. With little more than 10 minutes of that game remaining, they won a rather fortuitous penalty, which was converted by Teboho Mokoena. That share of the spoils clearly sparked something, with Bafana Bafana beating the South Koreans during the third round of group games, keeping a clean sheet in the process, which is something that seemed impossible on the evidence of their first two defensive efforts.
Unfortunately, they came unstuck, losing by two goals to one, leaving them to finish second, denying them the luxury of playing their first knockout match on Canadian soil.
The Canadians found themselves in pole position after two games, and having tied with Bosnia and beaten Qatar in convincing fashion, Jesse Marsch’s men knew that all they needed to top the group was a point from their final group game against the Swiss. Unfortunately, they came unstuck, losing by two goals to zero, leaving them to finish second, denying them the luxury of playing their first knockout match on Canadian soil.
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Canada v South Africa last Lineups
Formation : 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Formation : 4 - 4 - 2
Substitutes
R. Goss
S. Chaine
DefenderT. Matuludi
S. Kabini
K. Ndamane
O. Makhanya
B. Cross
N. Sibisi
MidfielderJ. Adams
ForwardK. Sebelebele
I. Rayners
L. Foster
T. Moremi
D. St. Clair
O. Goodman
DefenderN. Sigur
A. Davies
J. Waterman
M. Bombito
MidfielderS. Eustaquio
J. Osorio
L. Millar
J. Shaffelburg
ForwardT. Oluwaseyi
J. Nelson
P. David
Missing players
T. Zwane
A. Davies
MidfielderI. Kone
South Africa & Canada Squad Analysis
The South Africans delivered their best performance of the tournament last time out, there can be no denying that, and off the back of that effort, head coach Hugo Broos isn’t expected to make several changes. The experienced and combative Teboho Mokoena is expected to return in midfield having served a one-game suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.
The experienced and combative Teboho Mokoena is expected to return in midfield having served a one-game suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.
The Canucks were not at their best against the Swiss, which could prompt Jesse Marsch to make a few alterations to his lineup. Liam Millar looked lively when coming on as a substitute in that game and he could replace Ali Ahmed, while having scored with his first touch, Union SG forward Promise David may just have forced himself into the starting XI.
Most goals and assists
South Africa
Canada
T. Mokoena
(1 Goals)
,
T. Maseko
(1 Goals)
J. David
(3 Goals)
T. Moremi
(1 Assists)
N. Saliba
(2 Assists)
South Africa - Canada Key Points
- The Canadians won their most recent match against a lower-ranked nation in high-scoring fashion.
- Against the Mexicans, the South Africans created a measly 0.08 xG.
- The Canadians have bettered their opponents in terms of xG in all three games at this tournament.
- The Canadians come here having created chances against a Swiss team that is far superior to this South African outfit.
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Our South Africa vs Canada Prediction
The South Africans may have exceeded expectations by defeating South Korea last time out, but do not rush to expect them to seriously compete against a Canadian team that should have far too much firepower for what is ultimately a weak defense.
Hugo Broos’ men were far too open against both Mexico and Czechia, and they could’ve easily lost both of those games by wide margins. The Canadians have shown more than enough, especially in the final third, to suggest that they’re not only good enough to win this game but that they should be priced as even stronger favorites.
Our South Africa vs Canada Pick: Canada to Win.
South Africa vs Canada - Other Interesting Picks
Canada to Score Over 1.5 Goals
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South Africa vs Canada match : Frequently asked questions
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
