Co-hosts Canada have become the first nation to advance to the Round of 16, as the knockout stages of FIFA World Cup 2026™ got underway.
Round of 32
South Africa 0-1 Canada
Canada have arguably produced their greatest result in men’s football history, Stephan Eustaqiuo scoring a dramatic late winner to defeat South Africa in the first Round of 32 match of FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Los Angeles. Tasting knockout football at a FIFA World Cup for the first time, they will now move on to meet either the Netherlands or Morocco in the last 16.
For long stages it appeared as if the first knockout fixture of the tournament would head to extra-time, with Canada left to rue a number of decent chances. Eustaquio’s stoppage-time goal eased those fears though, and sparked scenes of joyous celebration from the Canadians on the touchline and in the stands in Los Angeles, etching their names into history as the first group of Canadian men to win a knockout game at a World Cup.
Eustaquio’s goal at the death was worthy of the winner, finding the bottom-left corner of the net on the half-volley after the ball had spilled out to him on the edge of the box. Canada registered seven shots on target from their 12 efforts, and had the better of the contest against an overly cautious South African side who struggled to piece anything overly threatening together in the final third.
Coach Jesse Marsch could barely contain his emotions at the final whistle, labelling his players “Canadian heroes’ aas he gathered his team in a circle on the pitch at the final whistle. Their trailblazing run now heads to Houston on Saturday local time for the Round of 16.
Results
Round of 32
South Africa 0 Canada 1 (Stephen EUSTAQUIO 90+2′)
What’s Next
Tuesday 30 June
Round of 32
Brazil v Japan (5am NZT)
Germany v Paraguay (8:30am NZT)
Netherlands v Morocco (1pm NZT)