Canada's late World Cup winner draws praise from leaders and athletes
Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute goal sent Canada past South Africa and into the World Cup last 16 for the first time.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Canada reached the FIFA World Cup round of 16 for the first time after Stephen Eustaquio scored in stoppage time against South Africa, Al Jazeera reported. The 92nd-minute goal in Sunday’s round-of-32 match set off celebrations among Canadian fans and drew public praise from political leaders, athletes and football figures.
Al Jazeera reported that the match was played at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, where Canada, one of the 2026 World Cup cohosts, faced South Africa. Eustaquio, a 29-year-old midfielder, scored the decisive goal to extend Canada’s run at the tournament.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch praised his players on the pitch after the victory, according to Al Jazeera. Speaking to the squad as they gathered around him, Marsch said they had stuck to the team’s plan, played aggressively and shown character.
“You guys are Canadian heroes! Canadian heroes for the future children of this country, who play this sport,” Marsch told the players, according to Al Jazeera. “This sport has a big future because of you guys.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney also celebrated the result online, Al Jazeera reported. Carney, who had just left a flight and watched the closing minutes on his phone, wrote: “What a game. What a team. What a country.”
Other Canadian political figures joined the reaction. Al Jazeera reported that Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province is where Eustaquio was born and raised before his family moved to Portugal, congratulated the team on reaching the next round. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also offered congratulations, according to the report.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim praised the team in a message quoted by Al Jazeera. Sim said the players had “wore your hearts on your sleeves,” given everything on the field and created “a memory we’ll never forget.”
Al Jazeera reported that Canadian supporters filled watch parties and fan festivals with red, while Los Angeles Stadium also drew a large contingent backing Canada. Football fans and analysts on social media described the result as a striking moment for a country where Al Jazeera said ice hockey, basketball and baseball have traditionally drawn more attention than football.
Several Canadian athletes also posted support for the men’s football team, according to Al Jazeera. The report named Olympic swimming champion Summer McIntosh, tennis player Felix Auger-Aliassime and Olympic sprint champion Andre de Grasse among those who joined the celebrations. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield also congratulated the team after wishing them well earlier Sunday.
Al Jazeera reported that Bayern Munich congratulated Alphonso Davies on his return to international duty after a hamstring injury sustained with the club in May during the UEFA Champions League semifinal. Davies entered the match in the 74th minute, and Al Jazeera said Canada showed a noticeable change in pace and tactics after his introduction.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Canada after the match, saying the team had won “with Bafana Bafana breathing down your necks,” according to Al Jazeera.
Former Germany player Bastian Schweinsteiger offered a more measured assessment on social media, Al Jazeera reported. He wrote that Canada’s performance was “not convincing” overall, though he said progression was acceptable because of the clearer chances and noted that Davies brought “fresh wind” after coming on. Schweinsteiger added that Canada would need to improve against the Netherlands or Morocco.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.