Los Angeles, Jun 29 (V7N) — Canada secured a historic place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating South Africa 1-0 in the tournament's opening knockout match, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Steven Eustáquio.
The Round of 32 encounter was played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday at 1:00 a.m. Bangladesh time.
Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances during a tightly contested first half, which ended goalless. After the restart, Canada and South Africa increased the intensity, but neither side was able to find a breakthrough as both defenses held firm.
Canada came agonizingly close to taking the lead in the 65th minute when Jonathan David's effort was brilliantly saved by South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The rebound appeared destined for the net before a timely defensive intervention by Mbokazi kept the score level.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Canada finally found the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Steven Eustáquio produced a clinical finish to break the deadlock and send the Canadian supporters into celebration.
The narrow victory sends Canada into the Round of 16, marking the nation's best-ever performance at a FIFA World Cup and a landmark achievement in Canadian football history.
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