INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA / Content Syndication Services / – Canada reached the FIFA World Cup last 16 for the first time with a 1-0 win over South Africa on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium. Stephen Eustáquio scored in the 92nd minute. The midfielder controlled the ball near the edge of the area and drove his shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The result sent the co-hosts through from the Round of 32 and ended South Africa’s campaign. Canada entered the knockout stage after advancing from the group phase for the first time in three World Cup appearances. South Africa also reached the knockout rounds for the first time, making the match a milestone fixture for both national teams.
Canada created the clearer first-half chances. Moïse Bombito headed toward goal from a corner before Aubrey Modiba cleared the ball off the line. Tajon Buchanan then followed with a close-range effort that Williams stopped. Richie Laryea went down in the South Africa area before halftime, but the decision not to award a penalty stood after review.
Late goal decides tight contest
The second half kept the same pattern. Canada pressed for the opener, while South Africa defended deep and tried to limit space near its penalty area. Tani Oluwaseyi had a clear chance before the second-half hydration break. Williams blocked the shot, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi stopped Jonathan David from reaching the loose ball near goal.
Eustáquio broke the deadlock in stoppage time after Canada pushed forward again. His strike gave Canada the first knockout win of its World Cup history. Canada coach Jesse Marsch had Moïse Bombito back in the starting lineup, while captain Alphonso Davies made his tournament debut from the bench after missing the group stage with a hamstring injury.
Canada moves on to Houston
Canada is scheduled to play either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a place in the quarterfinals. The Round of 16 match will continue Canada’s run as one of the three host nations at the 2026 World Cup. The tournament is taking place in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
South Africa left after a campaign that included a 2-0 loss to Mexico, a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic and a 1-0 win over South Korea in the group stage. Coach Hugo Broos, 74, said after the defeat that this was his final World Cup. He has led South Africa since 2021 and took the team back to the tournament for the first time since 2010.