South Africa vs Canada
It’s a momentous moment in their respective footballing journeys.
That’s because both nations have made World Cup 2026 history to get here with co-hosts Canada and South Africa reaching the tournament knockout stages for the first time.
More history will now follow with one country guaranteed to be in the last 16 and an encounter in Houston on July 4.
Question first is, who can surpass all expectations in Los Angeles and progress even further?
Talking Points
Canada have the edge in a few ways for me.
One is the fact they have recent experience of what it’s like to be in the latter stages of a major competition, as demonstrated by their encouraging debut at the Copa America where they were a few penalty kicks away from securing the bronze medal just a couple of years ago.
The second is, while they are no longer playing in Vancouver, they have avoided a ‘worst-case scenario’ by drawing South Africa instead of South Korea.
Bafana Bafana’s surprise victory against South Korea meant they finished second in Group A.
Facing South Korea would have meant playing against a massive home crowd, as LA boasts the largest Korean community outside of Korea. This significant fan support would have created a de facto away game for Canada which would have been tougher.
Thirdly, FIFA has dismissed South Africa’s appeal against a three-match suspension for midfielder Themba Zwane, following his questionable sending off in the tournament’s opening game.
Not that South Africa can be dismissed lightly, of course.
After going down to Mexico in their opening match, they managed to pick up a welcome point in a 1-1 draw with Czech Republic before crucially edging past Korea.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena will return to contention after serving a one-game ban against Korea when they produced World Cup 2026 highlights with Thapelo Maseko emerging as the hero.
That victory has given the country’s footballing fraternity immense pride, a victory which demonstrated that hard work, unity and determination can produce extraordinary results on the world’s biggest stage.
Certainly, manager Hugo Broos will have his side believing they can defeat the side ranked 32nd in the world when they just have seen off the country ranked 31st.
It could all boil down to the individual talent and knowhow in the Canadian ranks with Juventus forward Jonathan David a proven goal-getter and Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies both great options for Canada coach Jesse Marsch to call upon.
Marsch has been unable to lean on the quality and experience of their biggest star Davies who only returned from a long injury lay-off in late April, since a recurrence has meant he’s not played a single minute at the World Cup.
Marsch actually revealed in midweek that Davies was used as a “decoy” in the group round and was never going to take the field.
With each passing day, that scenario may change and don’t be surprised if he makes an appearance, at least from the bench, in this one.
The Canadians are, of course, without Ismael Kone who suffered a tibia fracture against Qatar in their second group match and he could well be joined on the sidelines by Stephen Eustaquio (muscle) and Alfie Jones (fitness), with the pair facing late checks.
History
The only previous meeting between these two nations ended in victory for South Africa and a notable red card.
The international friendly in Durban in 2007 was won 2-0 by Bafana with Teko Modise scoring both goals, the second from the penalty spot, as a home-based side sealed victory under coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Paul Stalteri, who is now an assistant coach with Canada, was sent off that day and also conceded the spot kick.
Betting Tip
Canada may have lost home advantage of Vancouver following their 2-1 reverse to Switzerland, but the SBOTOP World Cup 2026 betting odds still give them a distinctive edge.
They are priced 1X2 @ 1.72 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.36 with the South Africans quite adrift of that, including 1X2 @ 4.82 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.21.
The draw, after 90 minutes, is on offer @ 3.43, while a repeat of their only other ever meeting will pay out @ 30.00 with Correct Score 0-2.
I think both teams will show a goal threat rather than allow the finality of knockout stage football to lead to a more cautious approach.
That is why it’s worth opting for over 2.50 goals @ 2.28 in my view.
I think the Canadians will edge this and my *** tip is Asian Handicap Canada -0.75 @ 1.95.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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