Canada became the first team to reach the last-16 at the 2026 World Cup after defeating South Africa 1-0 in their round of 32 contest in Los Angeles.
Jesse Marsch’s side were the more proactive in a lacklustre encounter as Bafana Bafana attempted to nullify the attacking threat of the Canadians with composed possession and a compact shape.
It worked for over 90 minutes as Canada were restricted to shots from range and opportunities from set pieces. The only moment of note in the first half saw South Africa defender Aubrey Modiba clear a headed effort off the goalline but there was otherwise a severe lack of quality from both teams.
That was until the 92nd minute when Stephen Eustaquio latched onto a rebound and rattled a low effort into the far bottom corner. That was a just reward for Canada sticking to their gameplan and it sends Marsch’s men into the next round.
Relive the action from the World Cup last-32 with our live blog below:
Canada’s belief
“It started when we came out of the group stage. I think when it comes to the knockouts of the World Cup, the belief brings a big part to it,” continued Eustaquio.
“Now, we’re going to get Morocco or the Netherlands and who knows, on a good day we can make things happen.
“Probably the quality is not going to be there, but if we keep believing and keep working, things might go our way.”
Reaction from Canada’s matchwinner
Stephen Eustaquio won the game for Canada and spoke in the aftermath.
He said: “I think we worked a lot to get this victory. We really wanted to give this win to all of the Canadians.
“We just kept believing, kept pushing and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. I think it was an amazing goal but when I shot, I felt everyone shot with me.
“They put a little bit of power on it and it went into the back of the net. So I am very happy.”
Canada snatch last-gasp World Cup winner to break South Africa hearts in tepid knockout start
When Canada’s concluding moment does eventually arrive this summer, Stephen Eustaquio would be forgiven for not wanting to leave the bright sunshine of California. The Canadian midfielder, contracted to Porto, joined Los Angeles FC in February on a four-month loan deal, desperately hunting minutes on the pitch ahead of the World Cup.
Now, the 29-year-old is the match-winner in his new home away from home, sending his country through to the last-16 with a dramatic stoppage-time strike.
Marsch’s words
Here’s what Jesse Marsch said to his team at the end of the game.
“Guys. Think about the two years we’ve been together. Think about how we talked about sticking to the plan, sticking to who we want to be, playing aggressive, accessing the quality, you guys showing your character.
“You guys are Canadian heroes. Canadian heroes. Canadian heroes for the future children of this country, who play this sport. This sport has a big future because of you guys.
“You should be so proud of who you are. You should be so proud of this game. You went after it, moment after moment. You are Canadian heroes.”
Canada nicked it
Former Leeds striker and ITV commentator, Lucy Ward, summed up the match.
“This game has been crying out for that one piece of quality,” she said.
“One moment, one strike, one finish. It wasn’t cleared by South Africa.
“It has not been a game of chances but Canada have nicked it at the end.”
Who’s next?
Canada are the first team through to the last-16 and will take on the winners of Morocco v the Netherlands.
That fixture is scheduled for Tuesday 30 June at 2am BST.
Regardless of who goes through from that tie, Canada’s next opponents will be their hardest test yet and they’ll need to up their game if they are to compete.
Canada more aggressive
Canada had 12 shots throughout that match with seven of those on target.
That is in comparison to six from South Africa and only one on target.
The Canadians had an xG of 1.32 while Bafana Bafana’s was 0.13.
The right team went through and it took a long time before the deadlock was broken.
Canadian heroes
“You guys are Canadian heroes. You should be so proud of who you are!”
Jesse Marsch has a fine message for his players after they reached the last-16 of the World Cup.
How far can they go?
Full-time!
90+7 mins: Canada have done it!
They were the more proactive side throughout the game and have earned their reward right at the death.
A 1-0 victory over South Africa sends them into the last-16. It’s a huge moment for the World Cup co-hosts who continue their campaign.
South Africa’s group stage heroics come to nought and they must head home.
