Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner as co-hosts Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.
The midfielder chested down a delivery into the box before firing an unerring strike into the bottom-left corner, securing Canada’s place in the last 16.
South Africa qualified for the Round of 32 as the runners-up of Group A, securing 4 points behind group leaders Mexico. Their journey through the group stage was a resilient comeback following a difficult opening match.
Canada dominated much of the contest despite South Africa’s resilient defence, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams producing several key saves. Moise Bombito and Tani Oluwaseyi came close for the hosts earlier in the match.
The result marks Canada’s first progression beyond the group stage in their World Cup history and sets up a round-of-16 clash against either the Netherlands or Morocco.
South Africa, in their first knockout appearance, were eliminated after a determined performance that ultimately lacked a clinical edge.
