South Africa vs Canada prediction 28.06.2026 | World Cup

After three unsuccessful campaigns, South Africa shocked most pundits and progressed to the 1/16 final. They had a tough group, but after starting with a defeat against Mexico, Hugo Broos' team collected four points in the next two games and secured second position in the standings. South Africa were on a terrible run of seven matches without a victory until the most recent outing, and a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Although Broos' team had only 32% ball possession, they made the most of their opportunities and recorded an unexpected victory.

Hugo Broos was ecstatic after his team progressed to the knockout phase. He commented, "I'm very proud of my team, and I think we gave a really good answer to all those big mouths from previous weeks who wanted us to change things and wanted to tell us what we need to do. We did what I wanted to do, and this is the result. I'm happy for my team."

Although South Africa progressed to the 1/16 finals, they have major problems in attack. Interestingly, Bafana Bafana have scored only three goals in their last five matches and could be in huge trouble on Sunday in Los Angeles if their defense collapses.

The good news for South Africa is that Teboho Mokoena served his suspension and could return to the starting lineup against Canada. Hugo Broos hoped Themba Zwane would return to the team, too, but FIFA rejected South Africa's appeal, meaning the experienced midfielder will serve one more match on the sidelines.

Canada had only two World Cup appearances before 2026. They are making great progress, as the Maple Leaf Team collected four points in the group phase of this year's tournament and booked a place in the 1/16 final. Canada were on an impressive run recently with ten consecutive wins until they lost in the final group-phase tie, 2-1 to Switzerland. Canada needed at least a draw to finish top of the group, but they struggled to impose themselves and ultimately lost, meaning they now leave home soil for the first time in the tournament and will play against South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Canada's head coach, Jesse Marsch, was disappointed after a defeat in the previous match. He commented, "Switzerland is a very good team, a very ​experienced team, a very intelligent team, and I think that showed today. We need to continue to understand how to handle those kinds of opponents, how to handle those kinds ​of games, and we've got to do it quickly because we're going to be in the knockout phase, which ​is exactly where we wanted to be."

While South Africa have big problems with offense, Canada's attack should provide a lot of confidence for the knockout phase. Marsch's team scored at least one goal in the last five matches.

It seems that Alphonso Davies recovered from a hamstring injury and that he could play on Sunday against South Africa. On the other hand, Alfie Jones and Ismael Kone remain sidelined.