Stephen Eustaquio scored in stoppage time Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles as Canada advanced past the group stage for the first time in World Cup history.
5:16 PM
Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 in the opening match of the round-of-32 stage Sunday at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, advancing to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation's history.
Stephen Eustaquio scored the decisive goal in the 90+2nd minute of stoppage time. Shaffelburg crossed from the wing, South African defenders cleared the ball to the edge of the penalty area, and Eustaquio controlled it before striking a long-range shot past goalkeeper Rowen Williams.
The match marked a historic occasion for both teams. South Africa was also competing in its first World Cup knockout tie after advancing beyond the group stage for the first time. Canada, as a co-host of the 2026 tournament alongside the United States and Mexico, had never progressed past the group stage in previous World Cup appearances.
The first half produced few clear-cut chances. Canada took the initiative and created the more dangerous opportunities, while South Africa relied on defensive intensity and quick transitions. When South Africa attacked, the team primarily used long balls with limited success. The best chance of the opening 45 minutes came from a scrambled situation in the penalty area when Eustaquio took a corner kick, Bombito headed toward goal, and Modiba cleared the ball off the line.
Coach Jesse Marsch made significant tactical adjustments in the second half to increase pressure on South Africa. Canada continued to dominate possession and created additional scoring opportunities, but South African goalkeeper Williams made key saves to keep the match level until Eustaquio's late strike.
The tournament format expanded from 32 to 48 teams for 2026, introducing the round-of-32 stage. As a co-host that finished second in its group after losing to Switzerland, Canada was required to play away from home soil. The team traveled to Los Angeles to face South Africa rather than remaining in Canada, marking the first time in World Cup history that a host nation was forced to leave its country for a knockout match.
Canada will next face the winner of the Netherlands versus Morocco matchup, scheduled for Monday at 22:00. The last-16 tie will determine which team advances to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
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