The World Cup knockout stage kicks off today, with Canada taking on South Africa in the Round of 32 opener.
Our team of experts has come up with three picks for the game, so let's dive into today's World Cup best bets.
Today's World Cup Best Bets, Expert Picks
The team logos in the table below represent each of the World Cup matchups that our staff is targeting from today's slate. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 3:00 p.m. | |
| 3:00 p.m. | |
| 3:00 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our World Cup odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Canada To Qualify & Under 4 Total Goals (-125)
Canada enters this matchup as the favorite, and for good reason. The squad boasts superior individual talent, with players like Jonathan David and Cyle Larin leading a clinical attack. David's underlying metrics, including a 2.59 expected goals (xG) tally in the group stage, rank him among the most dangerous forwards in the competition.
While South Africa has shown defensive resilience, their attack has been lackluster, generating just 1.95 expected goals from open play across three matches. Combining Canada's qualification with total goals under provides a way to back the stronger team while acknowledging the typically tight nature of knockout-stage soccer. Historically, these matches see fewer goals, and with six of South Africa’s last seven games going under 2.5 goals, this trend seems likely to continue.
Pick: Canada To Qualify & Under 4 Total Goals (-125 at bet365)
South Africa vs Canada Tie (+260)
There is also value in considering a tie. Canada lost a significant advantage when their second-place group finish forced them to play this match in the United States instead of on home soil. South Africa, after a disastrous opening match, has settled into the tournament, showing grit in a draw with Czechia and a win over South Korea.
They have conceded just a single goal in their last two games. Given that 10 of Canada's last 13 matches have finished with fewer than three goals, the conditions are ripe for a low-scoring, tightly contested affair that could easily end level after 90 minutes.
Pick: South Africa vs Canada Draw (+260 at bet365)
Jonathan David To Score or Assist (+105)
Jonathan David scored all three of his goals in this World Cup against Qatar in their 6-1 victory in the group stage, but has been very active in the rest of the matches, and this Round of 32 opponent gives him the opportunity to score again.
Let's be clear: South Africa isn't a complete doormat, but with the crowd's support and the chance to keep making history for the country in this tournament, Canada should thrive in this matchup, and David will be the main target. If he isn't, he can assist his partner, Cyle Larin, upfront and cash this bet as well.
