Canada into World Cup last 16 with 92nd-minute winner over South Africa
Captain Stephen Eustaquio scored from outside the box in the 92nd minute to give Canada a 1-0 victory over South Africa, making the co-hosts the first team to reach the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Late drama
The opening match of the knockout phase at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California seemed headed for extra time until Stephen Eustaquio struck in the second minute of stoppage time. His shot from the edge of the area found the net next to the post, beating South Africa goalkeeper Williams, who had kept the scoreline blank until that moment. Canada had been the more dangerous side, with Jonathan David, Moïse Bombito, Tani Oluwaseyi and Promise David all squandering good opportunities earlier in the game.
Historic firsts for both nations
For Canada, the victory marked the first time a host nation has played a knockout match away from home. After finishing second in Group B behind Switzerland, they lost the right to continue on home soil. South Africa, meanwhile, competed in a World Cup knockout game for the first time in their history, having advanced from Group A behind Mexico. The match also inaugurated the round of 32, introduced with the expanded 48-team format.
What comes next
Canada will face the winner of the Netherlands-Morocco tie in the round of 16. The round of 32 continues with Brazil against Japan and Germany against Paraguay on Monday, followed by a full schedule running through Saturday.
