Canada beat South Africa late to move into World Cup last 16
Stephen Eustaquio’s added-time goal gave Canada a 1-0 win over South Africa and a first trip to the World Cup last 16.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Canada reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time after Stephen Eustaquio scored in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win over South Africa, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. The result sent Canada through from the first knockout-round match of the 2026 tournament and ended South Africa’s run in Los Angeles.
According to Al Jazeera and Reuters, Eustaquio struck from outside the South Africa penalty area after receiving the ball near the edge of the box. His shot beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, giving Canada the only goal of a tight match at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday.
South Africa pushed for an equalizer in the remaining moments, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported, but Canada held out through the final whistle. The report said South Africa had appeared willing to let the game drift toward extra time and a possible penalty shootout before Eustaquio changed the match.
Canada will play either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a place in the quarterfinals, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch addressed his players on the field after the win. “It’s about the two years we’ve been together,” Marsch told the team, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. “Think about how we talked about sticking to the plan – you guys showing your character. You guys are Canadian heroes here.”
The match had produced few chances before the late goal, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Both teams were appearing in the knockout rounds for the first time, and the first half offered little space or rhythm.
Canada’s clearest first-half chance came from a corner shortly before the break, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. Moise Bombito headed toward goal during a scramble in the South Africa area, but Aubrey Modiba cleared the ball off the line. Tajon Buchanan then had a close-range attempt that struck Williams in the chest.
Canada also appealed for a penalty before halftime after Richie Laryea went down in the box, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The decision to play on remained in place after a VAR review, drawing boos from many Canada supporters in the stadium. Marsch continued protesting as the teams left the field, with Bombito appearing to guide him away from the referee, the report said.
Canada kept pressing in the second half while South Africa showed little urgency, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. Before the second-half hydration break, Tani Oluwaseyi had a shot stopped by Williams. Jonathan David could not turn the rebound in with a header after Mbekezeli Mbokazi made the defensive play to clear the danger.
Eustaquio later said the win belonged to Canadian supporters. “I think it was an amazing goal,” he told reporters, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. “When I shot, I thought everyone shot with me. Everyone added a little power to it when it went into the back of the net.”
He also pointed to the confidence Canada gained after leaving the group stage. “Belief is a big part of it,” Eustaquio said, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. “We will now get either Netherlands or Morocco. Anything can happen. If we keep working like we are doing, we might even win it.”
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.