Preview: South Africa vs Canada prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

Bafana Bafana eye historic Round of 16 berth win over hosts Canada, who become first host nation to play World Cup match away from home

Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California, United States of America, gears up to host the Round of 32 fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026 where hosts Canada and South Africa lock horns in what is set to be a thrilling contest.

Bafana Bafana were just a few minutes away from an early exit in the FIFA World Cup 2026 until Teboho Mokoena scored an equalising penalty against Czechia.

The South Africans then went on to shock South Korea after defeating them 1-0 in the last game to make it to the Round of 32, courtesy of a goal from Thapelo Maseko.

That win took them to four points, and they leapfrogged the Taegeuk Warriors to finish second in Group A behind Mexico. They are led by Belgian gaffer Hugo Broos, who answered all those big mouths after propelling South Africa to their first-ever knockout stages in the FIFA World Cup.

Canada will become the first team to play a World Cup match away from home, despite being a host nation. They were just a draw away from finishing atop Group B, but a defeat to Switzerland in their last outing saw them finish second, forcing them to play their knockout game away from Canada.

After a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Maple Leaves went on to clinch their first-ever World Cup win in the most dominating manner against reigning champions Qatar after demolishing them 6-0.

Still, Switzerland handed them a defeat in the last game, making them the first host nation to lose a game in this edition.

The winner of this game will take on either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16 fixtures, and if they advance past it, they will most likely face Germany or France in the potential quarter-finals. Canada are exactly 30 spots higher than South Africa, but the Bafana Bafana are in sublime form.

The Round of 32 brings a fierce, knockout intensity where reputations matter less than 90 minutes of pure desire. The tournament enters a phase where absolute underdogs can stun football giants. Fans can expect a thrilling, high-stakes battle where any result is possible and either side has everything it takes to win.

Kick-off:

• Location: Inglewood, California, USA
• Stadium: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
• Date: Monday, June 29
• Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST, 12 p.m. local PDT [Tuesday, June 30 at 12:30 a.m. IST]
• Referee: João Pedro Silva Pinheiro (Portugal)
• VAR: In use

Form:

South Africa (in all competitions): W-D-L-D-L

Canada (in all competitions): L-W-D-D-W

Players to Watch

Ime Okon (South Africa)

Born in Johannesburg to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, Okon suffocated a highly technical South Korean side in the last game to clinch a much needed clean sheet in the last game. He will face an even more lethal attacking duo of Jonathan David and Cyle Larin in the next game.

Okon is coming after a decent spell with Hannover 96 in Bundesliga 2, after they failed to clinch promotion by just a few points. He is a towering and commanding right-footed central defender, who at 22 is proudly rewriting a new chapter in the history of South African football.

Tajon Buchanan (Canada)

One of the most athletic and coveted North American wingers operating in Spain today, Buchanan made a high profile move to Villareal in the Spanish top flight and is coming after a decent spell. The Yellow Submarines finished third and secured a coveted UEFA Champions League spot.

Buchanan has been brilliant so far for Canada. His raw, terrifying pace and acceleration from the right flanks make him uncatchable, and Aubrey Modiba will have a tough time chasing Buchanan throughout the ninety minutes. He has created a lot of chances but has yet to score or give an assist in the World Cup.

Match Facts

• These two sides faced once and South Africa won the game 2-0
• Teko Modise scored both goals for Bafana Bafana in the last game.
• These two sides will meet each other for the first time in any major competition.

South Africa vs Canada: Betting Tips and Odds

• Canada to win in extra time – 9/1 with bet365
• Jonathan David to score – 6/4 with Betfred
• Canada to qualify – 1/3 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Teboho Mokoena will be back in the South Africa squad after serving a mandatory suspension. Themba Zwane is still suspended following his red card against Mexico. Broos might be tempted to bring Mokoena for Yaya Sithole in the next game.

Bayern defender Alphonse Davies is yet to play a single minute but is expected to start from the bench after a hamstring injury. Alongside Kone, Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones are also expected to be out due to injury concerns.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 01

South Africa won: 01

Canada won: 00

Matches drawn: 00

Predicted Lineups

South Africa predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Ronwen Williams (GK); Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba; Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena; Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis; Evidence Makgopa.

Canada predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Nathan Saliba, Ali Ahmed; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.

Match Prediction

Well, this is a highly difficult fixture to predict after South Africa managed to defeat a team in the last game, that is ranked higher than Canada. Moreover, Canada does not have any home advantage and are coming after a defeat. We expect this game to extend beyond 90 minutes and given Canada’s depth in squad, we expect them to win it all in the extra time.

Prediction: South Africa 1-2 Canada (after extra time)

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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