South Africa vs Canada Prediction: Co-hosts ready to Marsch forward

Co-hosts Canada have lost their home advantage for the opening game of the World Cup's knockout phase as they travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa on Sunday (12pm local, 8pm BST). The Jesse Marsch-led Canadians have made history with their maiden World Cup win already and will now look to advance against a Bafana Bafana side that has looked limited in this tournament so far.

Below are my South Africa vs Canada predictions alongside the latest match odds from Betfred and all-important team news.

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Team News

South Africa remain without Themba Zwane as he serves the last match of a three-game ban for his red card against Mexico.

Teboho Mokoena returns from suspension, while Yaya Sithole was also sent off against Mexico but played 90 minutes in that win over South Korea. Hugo Broos' squad don't appear to have any injury worries.

World Cup Odds

Canada have so far left Alphonso Davies on the bench but he could see game time now.

Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones will be assessed following knocks, while Promise David was a goalscorer after coming on in the 2-1 loss against Switzerland but may still return to the replacements.

South Africa vs Canada Odds

Canada have to travel outside their own borders for the first time but are strong favourites at 8/11 to win this Los Angeles showdown with 9/2 South Africa, while the draw is priced at 5/2.

Over 2.5 goals can be backed at 11/10, while Jonathan David - scorer of a hat-trick in Canada's thrashing of Qatar - is priced at 29/20 to score anytime

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Canada to win & Under 3.5 goals @ 6/5

They may have lost home advantage, but Canada could hardly have asked for a better opponent. South Africa have twice conceded more than 60 per cent possession in their three games.

Like Canada, Bafana Bafana are appearing in the World Cup knockouts for the first time. They are ranked some 22 spots lower than Marsch's side in the latest FIFA standings.

In Jonathan David, the Canadians have an elite-level attacker, whose work rate and calmness in front of goal could be decisive.

The Maple Leafs also have the potential of seeing Bayern Munich's Davies make his first tournament start after settling for a place on the bench so far.

Marsch has built a good Canadian side, eager to have them cope with pressure moments, and a pressing game and pace in wide areas should lead to chances.

The thrashing of Qatar was one of just two of Canada's last 17 games to feature more than three goals. They are solid at the back, with nine clean sheets in 14 games, and can make their quality count in a relatively low-scoring affair.

Alistair Johnston 1+ Assists (Sub Switch) @ 17/2

Canada's ability to threaten in wide areas could be key. Tajon Buchanan is a danger on the right, while wing-backs Alistair Johnston and Richie Laryea are capable of getting forward.

Celtic's Johnston had more touches than any Canada player in the loss against Switzerland, including a joint team-high four in the opposition penalty box.

He has created three good scoring chances in three games so far and is a menace in the final third owing to his ability to get on the overlap.

Injury interrupted his 2025/26 season with the Bhoys, but he contributed 10 Scottish Premiership assists in the 2024/25 campaign and this modern full-back could land one here.

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