Canada's 8 Goals in Group Play and Nobody in Los Angeles Is Ready For It

Alright, Seattle, buckle up! The 2026 World Cup knockout stage just kicked off, and let me tell you, things are getting WILD. Sunday, June 28, 3 p.m. ET, it's co-host Canada versus South Africa, going down in Los Angeles. This isn't just another game, folks. Both these squads are stepping into the knockout stage for the very first time. And Canada? They're making history as the first host nation to play a match outside its own borders. You gotta love to see it! This is what the beautiful game is all about.

Canada's Firepower: A Mixed Bag of Brilliance

So, Canada's journey through the group stage was a total rollercoaster. They lit up the scoreboard, bagging eight goals and slamming 21 shots on target in just three matches. Talk about offensive production! You watch a team do that, and you think they're unstoppable, right? Well, not quite. Their 10-match unbeaten run came to a screeching halt with a 2-1 loss to Switzerland on Wednesday. That had to sting, but hey, finishing second in Group B after that kind of attacking display? That's something to be proud of. They showed they have the firepower to scare any defense out there.

South Africa Shocks the World

But don't sleep on South Africa! This team is coming in with some serious momentum, having finished second in Group A. Why? Because they pulled off one of the biggest shockers of the tournament, snagging a 1-0 win ag

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

ainst South Korea earlier this week. Think about that: they were on an eight-game winless streak, heavy underdogs, and then Thapelo Maseko blasts one home for a famous victory. That's the kind of magic that can fuel a deep run in this tournament. They know how to win when it counts, even against the odds.

The Stakes are Real and Jonathan David Is Ready

Now, let's talk about what's at stake. This is win or go home, baby! The bookmakers have Canada as the favorite at -140 on the three-way moneyline, and a solid -300 to advance. The over/under is set at 2.5 goals, with the under favored at -150. But here's the kicker: Canada's Jonathan David is priced at +165 to score a goal. Why is that important? Because David already ripped a hat trick against Qatar in the group stage. SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green is all-in on David scoring again, and he's also picking Canada to win with Under 4.5 goals in the match. Green, who's been crushing it with an 18-8 record on his last 26 UCL picks, says Canada's eight goals in three group stage games proves they've got enough offense to take down South Africa. He's also shouted out Promise David, Tajon Buchanan, and Liam Millar for their pace and creativity in the group stage. These guys are ready to make some noise. So, who's heading to the Round of 16? Will Canada's offensive power prevail, or will South Africa's Cinderella run continue? Sunday's match is going to be electric. You absolutely cannot miss this one. Let's go!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.