The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with the knockout rounds underway! It’s time to dive into the World Cup matches today to get you ready to enjoy the tournament in all its glory. The World Cup schedule today features only one match, as Canada takes on South Africa. Let’s preview today’s World Cup matches with the top players, biggest storylines, and betting odds to know. 

 

Today’s FIFA World Cup Schedule 6/28

We have just one game on the World Cup schedule today as the Round of 32 starts up. It features Canada, the Group B second-place finisher, against South Africa, the Group A second-place squad. Check out the World Cup matches today before you enjoy the action:

  • South Africa vs. Canada – 3 pm ET on FOX 

 

 

 

Best World Cup Match To Watch Today

Today’s World Cup matches may only be limited to one game, but that standalone showdown still carries plenty of intrigue. This will be the first World Cup knockout match that either Canada or South Africa has ever played in the tournament’s history. Of course, we’ll also see the first knockout-round victory for one of these countries as well. 

Canada is favored in this matchup, which kicks off at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon. The Canadians nearly won Group B, but a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in the final group stage match resulted in a second-place finish. 

Meanwhile, South Africa enters as the Group A second-place finisher. A surprising 1-0 victory over South Korea vaulted the South Africans up the group standings into that second spot. Many predictions didn’t have them in the knockout rounds, but here they are as a live underdog. 

 

Top Players To Watch in Today’s Match

The World Cup matches today feature several top players worth watching. As noted above, there’s only one game on tap. Jonathan David headlines Canada’s attack, while Cyle Larin and Promise David anchor the offense as well. The Canadians will also get star wing-back Alphonso Davies back from injury after he missed the group stage. 

As for South Africa’s lineup, Evidence Makgopa and Thapelo Maseko are the top goal-scoring threats to know. Oswin Appollis also gives the attack some upside on the counter. 

 

Biggest Storylines Heading Into Today’s Match

As we dive deeper into the World Cup schedule today, let’s look at some of the biggest storylines to know. As mentioned above, history will be made in this match. Both Canada and South Africa are making their first-ever World Cup knockout round appearances. It’s a big moment for both nations, especially Canada as one of the tournament’s co-hosts. 

Even though they aren’t playing in front of a home crowd, the Canadians have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Mexico and the United States are both expected to win their Round of 32 matches this week. Can Canada set the tone for the host nations and move on? Or will South Africa pull off another surprising upset? 

 

 

 

World Cup Odds Today at BetMGM Sportsbook

Now that we’ve set the stage for the World Cup matches today, let’s talk betting odds. Check out how the odds and lines shake out for the World Cup schedule today, courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. The moneyline and total goals odds are for regular time, while the odds to advance include any extra time or penalty kicks. 

South Africa vs. Canada

  • Moneyline: South Africa +425 | Draw +260 | Canada -145
  • Odds To Advance: South Africa +240 | Canada -300
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (+110) | Under 2.5 (-140)

 

What Today’s Match Means For The Tournament

The World Cup matches today start up the knockout rounds of the tournament. The winner of South Africa vs. Canada will move on to a Round of 16 match scheduled for July 4th. The opponent would be the winner of the Netherlands vs. Morocco matchup, which kicks off on Monday night.