World Cup 2026 Odds, Updated Predictions for Sunday's Round of 32 Match

Canada and South Africa kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout round on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Canada is the clear favorite to progress to the round of 16, but it has something to prove after a disappointing close to the group stage.

Jesse Marsch's side didn't deliver in the moment with first place in the group on the line against Switzerland.

No one is expecting Canada to go make a deep run in the knockout round, but to avoid an upset on Sunday, it must get back to the level it played at in the first two group matches.

South Africa is playing with house money at this stage of the tournament. A place in the knockout round was a surprise in itself for the Bafana Bafana.

South Africa vs. Canada Odds

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

To Qualify for Next Round: Canada (-340; bet $340 to win $100); South Africa (+260; bet $100 to win $260)

90-Minute Money Line: Canada (-145), South Africa (+470); Draw (+260)

Canada has the advantage in almost every area of the field in its matchup with South Africa.

The Canucks have a terrific striker tandem in Jonathan David and Cyle Larin that will most likely start together on Sunday.

David and Larin combined for four goals in the 6-0 rout of Qatar in the group stage.

The two forwards need to create a similar level of pressure as Mexico's Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones did in the first game of the competition against South Africa.

South Africa was overwhelmed, made some defensive mistakes and finished that game with nine players on the field.

While we can't expect red cards on Sunday, we could see an under-pressure South African defense for 90 minutes.

David and Larin's shots on target props are worth looking into because of how lopsided the game will be in terms of chances and possession.

Both Canadian strikers sit at plus-money odds to have over 1.5 shots on target.

Canada's team shots on target prop sits at over 5.5. That's also worth a look, especially if Alphonso Davies gets on the field in any capacity.

Davies is available for selection on Sunday. His presence on the flank has the potential to trouble South Africa's back line.

Canada has never played in a knockout-round game at the World Cup. The lack of experience may be a deficiency later in the tournament, but that doesn't matter right now since South Africa resides in the same spot.

The Canucks don't have the home-field advantage they had in the group stage either, but there should be a large contingent of Canadian fans at Sofi Stadium.

The matchup itself is about as ideal as it can get for Canada, but it has to meet the moment more than it did against Switzerland.

Canada needs to be on the offensive from the start and score once in the first half to feel confident about progressing in 90 minutes.

South Africa will try to slow down the game, attack on the counter and potentially send the game to extra time.

Prediction: Canada 2, South Africa 1