INGLEWOOD, California, June 29 — Stephen Eustaquio hammered home a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 92nd minute to give Canada a 1-0 victory over South Africa this morning, sending the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history.
Eustaquio received the ball on the edge of the South Africa penalty area and powered it past diving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in a dramatic finish to the opening knockout-round match of the tournament.
South Africa, who had seemed content to play for extra time and a possible penalty shootout, launched several late attacks but were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle at Los Angeles Stadium.
Canada will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4 for a place in the quarter-finals.
"We just kept believing, we kept pushing and I think we couldn’t have imagined it any other way," Eustaquio said.
"It was an amazing goal. When I shot it, I felt everybody shot it with me. Everybody put a little bit of power on it, and it went to the back of the net, so I'm very happy."
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said his team had created chances throughout the match but were not "lethal enough".
"And then it falls to Steph and I just hope he'll put it on frame and give it a chance and he buries it," Marsch said.
"The hard work from these guys, the character — they're Canadian heroes. That's what I told them at the end. They are now Canadian heroes. I'm so happy for them."
Tense match in LA
Chances were few in a cagey first half, with little to separate the sides, who were both making their first appearances in the knockout stage.
Canada's best opportunity came just before half-time when a corner sparked a scramble in the South Africa penalty area. Moise Bombito's header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba before Tajon Buchanan's close-range effort struck Williams in the chest.
Moments later, Richie Laryea went down in the penalty area, prompting Canadian appeals for a penalty, but the decision stood after a VAR review, drawing loud boos from Canada's sea of red-clad supporters.
Marsch continued to protest as the teams left the pitch at half-time, with Bombito appearing to usher him away from the referee.
Canada's frustration grew in the second half as South Africa showed little urgency going forward while maintaining a resolute defence.
Canada had another chance just before the second-half cooling break when Tani Oluwaseyi's shot struck Williams, but Jonathan David was unable to head home the rebound after an excellent goal-line clearance by Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
However, Eustaquio's stoppage-time winner ended Canada's frustration and sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Having advanced from the group stage for the first time in three World Cup appearances, the co-hosts were also playing their first match outside Canada at this year's tournament after only three days' rest following a 2-1 defeat by Switzerland in their final group-stage match on Wednesday.
'We're going to be ready'
Canada, who have battled injuries, were boosted by Bombito's return to the starting line-up and captain Alphonso Davies's appearance from the bench, with the Bayern Munich winger providing fresh impetus in his first appearance of the 2026 World Cup.
Marsch said he was flying to Mexico to watch the Netherlands face Morocco at Estadio Monterrey later today.
"We're going to be ready to throw everything we have at a giant," he said.
South Africa can hold their heads high after reaching the knockout stage for the first time in four attempts, although they will rue a subdued exit.
"Everyone is sad," said Teboho Mokoena, who added that he came agonisingly close to blocking the winning strike.
"If I had taken three more steps, I could have stopped that shot," he said.
The match marked the World Cup farewell for 74-year-old South Africa coach Hugo Broos and may also have brought the curtain down on a career spanning more than five decades as both a player and manager.
"I will see in the next days what I will do for the future," he said.
"For sure, this is my last World Cup."
