South Africa
South Africa began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an underwhelming performance in the opening game of the tournament as they succumbed to a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City, with both Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane sent off in a game that needed to be brushed aside by Hugo Broos.
Bafana Bafana were staring down the barrel in their second game but a late Teboho Mokoena penalty earned them a 1-1 draw against Czechia before they then snatched a surprise 1-0 win against Korea Republic, courtesy of a Thapelo Maseko winner in the second half, to finish second in Group A.
Injuries & Team News
South Africa will welcome Teboho Mokoena back into their side on Sunday, with the 29-year-old serving a one-game suspension in the clash with South Korea last time out.
However, Themba Zwane is still suspended following his red card against Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on June 11.
Mokoena for Yaya Sithole could be the only change from the side that took to the field for the first whistle against South Korea, with Evidence Makgopa set to continue through the middle.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-0 vs South Korea |
L D D L D W
|
Predicted Line-Up
South Africa possible starting lineup:
Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa
Canada
Jesse Marsch and the Canadians will be frustrated to be heading into the knockout stages in the USA, rather than still at home in Vancouver where they would have played had they won Group B, but they instead finished second behind Switzerland after losing 2-1 to the Swiss in their final group game.
The Canadians began their group stage with a nervy performance as they shared a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. That was then followed up by a 6-0 demolition of Qatar in Vancouver, which was their first and still only FIFA World Cup win and a record victory by a CONCACAF side.
Injuries & Team News
As for Canada, Ismael Kone suffered a tibia fracture against Qatar in Canada’s second match of the tournament, and he could be joined on the sidelines by Stephen Eustaquio (muscle) and Alfie Jones (fitness), with the pair facing late examinations.
Alphonso Davies is yet to play at the World Cup due to a hamstring injury, but there have been suggestions that the Bayern Munich defender could be involved off the bench here.
Jonathan David and Cyle Larin are in line to continue in the final third of the field, while there should be another start in a wide area for Tajon Buchanan.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-2 vs Switzerland | D W D D W L |
Predicted Line-Up
Canada possible starting lineup:
Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Larin
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa Win | 5/1 – (6.00) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 29/10 – (2.90) | Dream Vegas |
| Canada Win | 7/10 – (1.70) | 247Bet |
Prediction
South Africa 1-1 Canada
South Africa looked dead and buried after the first group match but have showed superb resiliance to make it to the knockout rounds. Canada achieved their objective of making it this far but they might come to rue the fact they didn’t stay in Canada following defeat to Switzerland. I fancy this could go all the way to Penalties.