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Canada Favored Over South Africa in WC Knockout Opener

6/28/2026

49 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The knockout stage opens on June 28 with South Africa playing Canada at SoFi Stadium.
Both teams are making their first World Cup knockout appearance.
Canada is favored, with Opta assigning a 55 % win chance and PrizePicks a 72 % probability.
The winner advances to the round of 16 in Houston to meet the Netherlands-Morocco victor.

History

Historical Context

FIFA launched the first Women’s World Cup in China from 16 to 30 November 1991, fielding twelve national teams and introducing a knockout round of eight. The United States won that inaugural tournament, sparking global growth. In 2023, South Africa and Canada met in their first knockout match, echoing the 1991 breakthrough and expanding competition among emerging nations.

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Story summary

The knockout stage opens on June 28 with South Africa playing Canada at SoFi Stadium.
Both teams are making their first World Cup knockout appearance.
Canada is favored, with Opta assigning a 55 % win chance and PrizePicks a 72 % probability.
The winner advances to the round of 16 in Houston to meet the Netherlands-Morocco victor.

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