This wasn’t what Jesse Marsch and all of Canada Soccer wanted.“Staying here in Vancouver is definitely our number one goal,” Canada’s head coach said less than 24 hours before Canada’s 2-1 loss to Switzerland in their final group stage match.Canada defended well in the first half of the loss, tried to batten down the hatches but ultimately gave up two quick goals thanks to minor errors at the back of the pitch. Even with a stunning combination of a Nathan Saliba pass and a Promise David finish for Canada’s goal, their stay at home is over.Canada’s 6-0 undressing of Qatar will go down as one of the greatest moments on home soil in Canadian sports history. But that win will also be the high water mark for Canada in front of home fans. They finished with one win, one draw and one loss for four points and second place in Group B.Now that Canada’s group stage is over, let’s take a look at what comes next for Canada.When is Canada’s next game?June 28 at 3 pm ET.And how fast the game will arrive is undoubtedly a source of disappointment for Canada. Had they gotten a draw or a win against Switzerland, Canada would have played their Round of 32 game a full eight days after the final group stage game, on July 2. Canada, you are likely aware, is nursing multiple injuries to key players. That extra time off between games would have been crucial for them to gain necessary rest and recovery.Instead, Canada will kick off the first game of the Round of 32. And they will wish it wasn’t happening as soon as it is.Where are they going, and why are they leaving Canada?Canada will play their first ever World Cup knockout game in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, renamed Los Angeles Stadium for the duration of the World Cup.Canada have only played there twice before: they lost against Mexico in the March 2025 Nations League semi-finals and then defeated the United States in the third-place game.Coincidentally, it was in that third-place game that Alphonso Davies last played for Canada. He tore his ACL in that game. It is possible Davies finally makes his return at SoFi Stadium during the World Cup.Canada are heading to the United States because of the World Cup knockout round format: had they won Group B, they would have stayed in Vancouver and possibly, with a Round of 32 win, then played their Round of 16 game in Vancouver as well. Tournament organizers clearly provided incentive to Canada to win their group. Not having to travel would have been a massive advantage for Canada.With the World Cup schedule needing to be determined long in advance of the tournament, it is impossible Canada can return to Vancouver or Toronto to play.Instead, Switzerland will play their Round of 32 game in Vancouver. There is a further possibility that the Group K winner, whether it is Colombia or Portugal, could play in Vancouver for the Round of 16.Who will Canada play?The second placed team in Group A: South Africa.A stunning 1-0 upset win over South Korea to finish Group A action ensured that South Africa finished second in Group A.South Africa did not qualify for the previous three World Cups after qualifying as hosts in 2010. While South Africa topped their World Cup qualifying group, this is just the country’s fourth appearance at the World Cup. South Africa finished with four points in three group stage games.South Africa surprised South Korea to claim second place in their group (David Ramos/Getty Images)Canada’s lone result against South Africa in their program’s history was a 2-0 loss in a 2007 friendly in South Africa.They are a largely defensive side who no not maintain solid possession numbers. South Africa scored just two goals through three games. Canada could expect to have plenty of the ball in the Round of 32.What’s the feeling in the Canada camp?There was a strange mix of eagerness and disappointment coming out of Canada’s loss to Switzerland.On the one hand: Canada is in the knockout round of the World Cup. That represents a step forward for the men’s national team after finishing 31st of 32 teams in the 2022 World Cup.On the other, their stated goal was to win the group and stay in Vancouver and reap all the benefits that would have come with staying on native soil: more recovery time, more time enjoying the comforts of family and friends and more home support in a Canadian stadium.But Canada did not achieve their stated goal. And so with the loss against Switzerland, Canada are entering the knockout round without a ton of positive momentum.While many players walked through the mixed zone with long faces, it is still likely in the days ahead that the entire group recognizes what they have accomplished.“It’s Canada Soccer and we’re in the knockout stage of a World Cup, but I’m not really sure,” Alistair Johnston said, tongue planted firmly in cheek, after the loss against Switzerland. “But I’m not really sure, again it’s been a strange vibe already from some of the questions I’ve got. Of course we’d have loved to top the group, but we’re into the knockout stage. This is the bare minimum of what we wanted and that goes to show where we’re at as a program.”What could the rest of their World Cup look like?Now, it’s win or go home for Canada.Should they defeat South Korea, they would move to Houston, Texas for a Round of 16 game between Morocco and the winner of Group F. After two games, the Netherlands and Japan are tied at four points apiece atop Group F. The Netherlands holding a one goal edge on total goals in the tiebreaker.Lose, and Canada will have to ask themselves whether one win in four World Cup games constitutes success at a home World Cup.