World Cup Best Bets – June 29 – Round of 32

South Africa have been far from convincing at the 2026 World Cup, with their 1-0 win over South Korea in their final group game just about enough to see them through to the Round of 32. This came on the back of a battling 1-1 draw with Czechia and a 2-0 loss to Mexico. Their loss to Mexico is the one that should be focused on. They were woeful in the opening match of the World Cup as they crumbled under the pressure by giving away possession and chances, with Mexico taking advantage. While South Africa beat Canada 2-0 in their last meeting, this came in 2007, with the two very different teams now. While South Africa have every chance of winning this one, I believe they will be beaten by the co-hosts.

Canada could not quite come through on hammering Qatar 6-0 in their second group game as they slumped to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Switzerland in their final group game. Honestly, it is difficult to pick out whether they would have been more frustrated with a 1-1 draw with Bosnia in their opener or their 2-1 loss to the Swiss in the battle for top spot. Despite this, Canada will have been buoyed by solid performances across the tournament. While I do not see them keeping a clean sheet, I do back them to win this one as they keep their World Cup dreams alive for now.

Brazil hammered Scotland 3-0 in their final group game as they progressed from their group as the top side. Despite a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener, Brazil managed to secure the same winning score against Haiti and Scotland as they kept clean sheets in impressive performances. They arrive for this one as the favourites, but they can take little for granted against a well-organised opponent that will look to frustrate them and hit them on the break. Vinicius Junior has impressed at the World Cup so far, scoring once against Morocco before scoring again against Haiti and hitting a brace against Scotland. I back the forward to continue to hit the back of the net in this one.

Japan have looked strong at the 2026 World Cup, but they have struggled to find that winning touch against the better sides. A 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and a 1-1 draw with Sweden sandwiched a 4-0 win over Tunisia, with Japan taking five points from the group stage. While they did stop the Dutch and Sweden from taking all three points, they lacked the necessary firepower to secure the win for themselves. I predict that they will struggle against a Brazilian side that have scored six goals and kept two clean sheets in their last two games.