The Round of 32 kicks off at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday when South Africa and Canada meet in a winner-takes-all clash at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California at 21h00 South African time.
We take a look at the match from a betting angle.
South Africa
South Africa qualified second from Group A, recovering from a slow start to their campaign.
They opened with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico, a game in which they showed very little ambition and came in for plenty of criticism.
They were then under pressure for much of their second match against Czechia after conceding an early goal, but fought back strongly to equalise from the penalty spot. Although they were unable to find a winner, the draw was enough to keep their qualification hopes alive.
South Africa went into their final group match against South Korea as clear underdogs, priced at 9/2 to win the game.
It proved to be a tight affair, with South Africa arguably having the better of the chances before Tapelo Maseko stepped up in the 63rd minute with a superb strike to give South Africa the lead.
They held on for a famous victory and booked their place in the Round of 32.
Canada
Canada finished second in Group B on four points, level with third-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina, advancing by virtue of a superior goal difference.
They opened their campaign at home in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina, drawing 1-1 after scoring a 78th-minute equaliser.
Canada were then far too strong for Qatar in Vancouver, running out convincing 6-0 winners.
Their final group match was also in Vancouver, this time against Switzerland. Canada fell 2-0 behind before Promise David pulled one back in the 76th minute, but they ultimately went down 2-1.
Head-to-Head
These sides have met only once in international competition.
That meeting came in a friendly in 2007, with South Africa recording a 2-0 victory.
Betting – click here to bet
- South Africa: 5.50
- Draw: 3.85
- Canada: 1.69
Terms and conditions
- The promotion runs from 1 June to 19 July 2026.
- To qualify for the R20 Free Bet reward, a real money stake of R100 or more must be placed on any FIFA market during the promotional period.
- Free bets do not qualify for this offer. Single/Straight bets only.
- Free Bet adjustments may take up to 72 hours to process and will be loaded automatically.
- Free Bets may only be used on FIFA World Cup markets.
- Any Free Bets not used before 23:59:59 on 19 July 2026 will expire and will be forfeited.
- This promotion is strictly limited to one (1) reward per account.
- Standard World Sports Betting Promotional Terms apply.
- Free Bet T&Cs apply.
Verdict
The mood in the South African camp has undergone a complete transformation.
After a disappointing opening performance against Mexico, all of a sudden South Africans are talking about a possible place in the Round of 16.
They face co-hosts Canada, albeit on American soil, and they will fancy their chances of causing another upset.
Now that the tournament has entered the knockout stages, I expect matches to become tighter and more tactical.
Looking at South Africa’s games so far, none have produced more than two goals, and there is a strong case to be made for another low-scoring encounter.
I think the 90-minute draw is a major runner here.
Betting Angles
- Draw at 3.85
We simply need the sides to be level after 90 minutes. What happens in extra time or penalties is irrelevant. - Correct Score: South Africa 0-0 Canada at 10.00
South Africa have conceded two early goals in the tournament, but overall their defensive structure has looked solid. Canada have been involved in more open matches, but I expect them to tighten up here. The goalless draw looks a runner. - To Score a Goal: Relebohile Mofokeng at 6.25
Mofokeng added much-needed spark when introduced against Czechia and has arguably been South Africa’s breakthrough player of the tournament. He looks an interesting option in the goalscorer markets and he is 22.00 to score the 1st goal of the match. - Match Result and Total Goals Under 2.5: South Africa and Under 2.5 Goals at 8.50
My heart is obviously shouting South Africa, and this selection certainly gives us an interest in a potential upset.
Suggested Bet
- The Draw at 3.85
All prices were correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
