Canada scored a late goal to beat South Africa and reach the last 16 of the World Cup 2026 | World Cup 2026 news

Stephen Eustaquio scores in stoppage time as Canada wins first World Cup match.

Canada beat South Africa 1-0 thanks to Stephen ⁠Eustaquio’s stoppage-time strike from distance to reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.

Eustaquio received the ball on the edge of South Africa’s penalty area and beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in a thrilling finale to the tournament’s first leg on Sunday.

South Africa, who appeared to be satisfied with extra time and a possible penalty shootout, made a series of furious but unsuccessful attempts to reach the final whistle as the sun beat the clouds at the Los Angeles Stadium.

Canada will face either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a place in the quarterfinals.

“It’s almost two years that we’ve been together,” Canadian coach Jesse Marsch told the team in a huff after the final whistle.

“Think about how we talked about this plan – you guys show your character. You’re the Canadian heroes here.”

Chances were scarce in the first half of the cage, with little separating the sides, who were both playing in knockout competitions for the first time.

Canada’s best opener came just before the end of the period when a corner led to a scramble in the South African box. Moise Bombito sent in a header, which was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, Tajon Buchanan’s close range effort hitting ⁠Williams in the chest.

Moments later, Richie Laryea went down in the area, prompting the Canadians to appeal for a penalty, but the decision to not award the decision stood after a VAR review, allowing Canada’s red-clad army to dominate the stands.

Marsch continued to challenge as the teams went into the break in the final period, when Bombito appeared to force him to part with the goalkeeper.

Canada’s frustration only grew at the start of the second half, as South Africa quickly appeared to force the issue.

Canada had another chance just before the end of the second half hydration break, when Tani Oluwaseyi’s ball hit the goalkeeper, and Jonathan David was unable to control the ball, thanks to a great save by Mbekezeli Mbokazi to clear the ball.

Eustaquio credited the win to “all Canadians” when he spoke to reporters after the game.

“I think it was an amazing goal, when I shot it, I thought everyone shot with me, everyone added a little bit more energy when it went into the back of the net.

“(Belief) started when we got out of the group. Belief is a big part of this. Now we will get the Netherlands or Morocco. Anything can happen. If we keep working like we are doing, we can win.”