Canada has booked a Round of 16 spot at the FIFA 2026 World Cup. They defeated South Africa 1-0 in a tense knockout match on Sunday.
Stephen Eustaquio scored the winner deep into stoppage time at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. His goal came in the 92nd minute, breaking South African hearts in dramatic fashion.
Both nations were making their first-ever appearance beyond the group stage. The match looked headed for extra time before Eustaquio struck.
Playing for Porto, Eustaquio controlled the ball on his chest. He then unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the penalty box.
His shot beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and found the bottom corner. Canada's bench erupted as substitutes and staff rushed onto the pitch.
It was a tightly contested affair with few clear chances for either side. Neither team had dominated proceedings throughout the 90 minutes.
Defender Alistair Johnston spoke after the final whistle. "We are excited that we're still playing and relieved that we managed to get over the line," Johnston told reporters.
According to him, the match proved difficult as expected. "It's still a pinch-me moment, honestly.
We just won a knockout-round match at a World Cup," Johnston added.
Canada finished second in their group behind Switzerland. That result meant they couldn't stay in Vancouver for their next fixture.
The co-hosts had to travel south to face South Africa in Los Angeles. Now they'll head to Houston for their next assignment.
Canada plays either the Netherlands or Morocco on Saturday in the Round of 16. A quarter-final berth awaits the winners of that encounter.
