Stephen Eustaquio scored in stoppage time to give Canada their first World Cup finals victory.
Published June 28, 2026
Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 thanks to Steven Eustaquio’s long-range shot in stoppage time, advancing to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Eustaquio received the ball on the edge of South Africa’s penalty area and beat diving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to bring a thrilling conclusion to the first knockout match of the tournament on Sunday.
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South Africa, who appeared content with the possibility of extra time and penalties, made several ferocious attempts to equalize before the final whistle as the sun peeked through the clouds at Los Angeles Stadium, but failed.
Canada will next face either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a spot in the quarterfinals.
“This is about the two years we’ve had together,” Canada coach Jesse Marsh told his assembled team after the final whistle.
“Think about how we talked about sticking to the plan. You guys are showing your character. You guys are Canadian heroes here.”
The first half was tense with few chances and with both teams playing for the first time in the knockout stages, there was little to separate the two teams.
Canada’s best lead came just before halftime, when a corner kick sparked a scuffle in South Africa’s box. Moise Bonbito sent a header into the box, which was cleared on the goal line by Aubrey Modiba, before Tajon Buchanan’s close-range shot hit Williams in the chest.
Immediately afterwards, Canada appealed for a penalty after Richie Lallyair went down in the area, but after a VAR review, it was decided not to award the spot kick, prompting loud boos from the red-clad Canadian fans dominating the stands.
Marsh continued to protest after the team left the field at half-time, and Bonvito appeared to encourage the referee to move him away.
Canada’s frustration only increased early in the second half as South Africa were in no hurry to pursue the matter.
Just before the second-half water break, Canada had another chance when Thani Oluwaseyi’s shot hit the keeper and, although Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s excellent defending cleared the ball, Jonathan David was unable to head the rebound into the goal.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Eustaquio dedicated the win to “all Canadians.”
“I thought it was a great goal. When I took the shot, I thought everyone took the shot together. When it went in the back of the net, everyone gave a little bit of effort. When I scored the goal, I thought everyone took the shot together.”
“(Belief) started when we got out of the group stage. Belief is a big part of it. Now we can win the Netherlands or Morocco. Anything can happen. If we keep working like we have been, maybe we can win.”
