World Cup Betting Tips Today: Predictions & Best Bets for June 28th

The knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup are here and co-hosts Canada kickstart proceedings against South Africa. Jess Marsch's side failed to top their group after losing 2-1 vs Switzerland, while South Africa fought back from their opening day defeat to secure a place in the round of 32 after beating South Korea 1-0.

Our tipster Nathan Joyes has been in superb form throughout the group stage and has lined up two bets for this clash. Read his World Cup tips below.

South Africa vs Canada

Bafana Bafana failed to show their true selves against Mexico in round one. A 2-0 loss and two men sent off, their World Cup campaign could not have started any worse - and not many would have backed them to qualify based on that performance.

Yet changes were made by Hugo Broos who learnt his lesson quickly and reverted back to a style of play more familiar with South Africa - and one that got them to the World Cup in the first place.

A late Teboho Mokoena penalty salvaged a point vs Czechia before banking all three points vs South Korea. Not many expected that result, bu those close to African football did.

Although complete outsiders to beat Canada, Bafana Bafana are content with their underdog title.

Canada were held by Bosnia in their opener before hammering a Qatar side that finished with nine men 6-0. First place, however, wasn't secured after the Swiss beat them 2-1. Canada huffed and puffed, but they couldn't get the equaliser and now head into this knockout match with just one World Cup win to their name in their entire history.

Marsch, however, has made them competitive and deadly in the final third. Canada can move the ball with pace, but they can also win a fair share of corners, too.

They secured nine vs Bosnia, 19 against Qatar and seven when they faced Switzerland. That could be another angle in this encounter.

Both teams have fought hard to get to this stage, but both have attacks capable of punishing one another's defence. Goals has been underestimated in this market - mainly due to Canada's short price - and that has created value for us.

Therefore, I'm sticking up two bets. The first is BTTS Yes at 1/1 with BetMGM.

South Africa have scored in their last two and their game vs Mexico wasn't their true selves. Canada have only kept a clean sheet vs Qatar - who had nine men - and the market has backed them heavily - something which doesn't appeal.

The second bet is over nine corners at 5/6 BetMGM. Canada could well clear this line on their own as they are a nation who will play wide, try from range and suffocate their opponent. However, South Africa are strong on the transition and this line looks a little low - especially if at any point a nation is chasing the game to remain in the tournament.

Good luck if you are following either tip.

Betting Tips

BTTS Yes at 1/1 with BetMGM.

Over nine corners at 5/6 with BetMGM.