OddsTrader: "Jonathan David headlines at +425 for first goalscorer." ESPN FD confirms +425. David is the natural FGS leader for two reasons. First, he is Canada's PK taker — if Canada win an early penalty (South Africa committed two red cards against Mexico and concede fouls under pressure), David converts it as the first goal. Second, in his hat-trick against Qatar he scored the first goal of that game too — opened the scoring before adding two more. With Davies confirmed starting and generating early pressure on SA's right from minute one, early Canadian chances are guaranteed. At +425, the PK taker status alone makes this a credible FGS play. $10→$52.50.

ESPN FD confirms +500 FGS. The most compelling FGS argument: Larin scored Canada's opening goal against both Bosnia-Herzegovina AND Qatar in the group stage — two consecutive Canada games, two times he put Canada in front first. Sports Interaction: "Cyle Larin just seems to have the clutch gene, scoring Canada's opening goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar." Racing Post: "Larin should have at least two shots on target against South Africa." He plays directly alongside David in the 4-4-2 and shares chances equally. In projected 1-0 or 2-0 scorelines, Larin's pattern of opening the scoring makes him arguably better FGS value than David at +500 despite being less likely to score at all. $10→$60.

ESPN FD confirms +800. He is confirmed starting — his first minutes of the 2026 World Cup. Bet365 notes he "could take up a more advanced position" which means Marsch may deploy him almost as a left midfielder with license to attack. Davies has 15 international goals from left-back — an extraordinary number reflecting how regularly he attacks into goalscoring positions. With something to prove after missing the entire group stage, Davies may come out pressing hard early. The FGS at +800 is a legitimate lottery play for Canada's most famous player making his World Cup debut today. $10→$90.

ESPN FD confirms +800. OddsTrader: "Buchanan at +800 — worth a sprinkle." He starts at RM in Canada's 4-4-2, cutting inside from the right channel onto his stronger left foot. With Johnston overlapping at RB and Buchanan driving forward, South Africa's left flank (Modiba) will be under sustained pressure. An early speculative effort cutting in from wide, or arriving late into the box off a David/Larin buildup, could produce the first goal. At +800, same price as Davies — both are pure lottery plays. $10→$90.