The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially complete. It's on to the knockout stage. June 28 is the eighteenth match day of the tournament and the first day of knockout stage play.
There's only 1 game on Sunday as South Africa takes on Canada in the inaugural game of the knockout stage.
Can Canada win outright, cover the 0.5-goal spread, and advance to the round of 16? Note: If a game is tied at the end of 90 minutes and injury time, it is technically ruled a "draw" for betting purposes. Additionally, totals only apply to the 90 minutes of regulation time and any injury time added by the referee.
I'll make picks for the specified contest below. Continue reading for our World Cup Best Bets June 28 article.
South Africa vs. Canada — Time & How to Watch
| Where | SOFI STADIUM, INGLEWOOD, CA, USA |
| When | SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2026, 3 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / KNOCKOUT STAGE / ROUND OF 32 |
| TV | FOX, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO, FUBO |
South Africa vs. Canada Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH AFRICA | +0.5 (+120) | +450 | O 2.5 (+115) |
| CANADA | -0.5 (-150) | -145 | U 2.5 (-140) |
| DRAW | – | +270 | – |
Odds accurate as of Sunday, June 28, 2026, via TheSpread.com.
South Africa vs Canada Prediction June 28 Game Result Pick
Canada is in a prime spot to cover the 0.5-goal spread against South Africa on Sunday.
Under manager Jesse Marsch, Canada’s high-tempo counter-press is expressly designed to dismantle South Africa's low defensive block. This tactical mismatch favors Canada’s European-based core, highlighted by Alphonso Davies's dynamic pace and Jonathan David, who has already netted 3 tournament goals.
While Bafana Bafana showed group-stage resilience, they lack the overall depth to survive 90 minutes of sustained pressure. When evaluating odds for this game, backing Canada's superior attacking firepower is clearly the best bet for this Round of 32 clash.
Pick: Canada -0.5 (-150)
South Africa vs Canada Prediction June 28 Game Total Pick
The under on the total of 2.5 goals offers compelling value for Sunday’s high-stakes knockout match between South Africa and Canada.
South Africa’s primary path to survival relies on a disciplined, ultra-compact low defensive block designed to absorb pressure and choke out central passing lanes. While Canada will dictate the tempo, breaking down such a rigid structure in an elimination setting historically breeds conservative, lower-risk tactical play.
With Bafana Bafana focusing entirely on defensive fortitude and limiting transitional space, a cagey 1-0 or 2-0 score line looks highly probable, making the Under a sharp target on Sunday afternoon.
Pick: Under 2.5 (-140)
South Africa vs Canada Prediction June 28 Bonus Pick
I see Canada winning this game 1-0 or 2-0. While it might be tempting to place anytime goal scoring bets on Canadian forwards Jonathan David at +155 or Cyle Larin at +185, I think the safest bet is for Les Rouges to keep a clean sheet.
Betting "No" on "Both Teams to Score" at -130 tracks with how I think this game is going to go. There's also the fact that South Africa scored 2 goals in 3 group play games and will likely be packing their back end in order to stay in the game for as long as they can.
Despite the best efforts of Bafana Bafana, I like the Canucks to be the only team to score as they win, cover, and stay under the total in the first knockout stage game of the 2026 World Cup.
Pick: Both Teams to Score - No (-130)
The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is upon us. If you're new to soccer betting, check out our how to bet on soccer guide.
Today's World Cup Predictions
- Canada -0.5 (-150)
- Under 2.5 (-140)
- Bonus Pick: Both Teams to Score - No (-130)