Stephen Eustaquio scored a strong shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 92nd minute to give Canada a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, propelling the co-hosts to the round of 16 of the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Eustaquio received the ball on the edge of the South Africa penalty area and beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in a thrilling conclusion to the first World Cup round of 16 match.
South Africa, which seemed content to play extra time and a possible penalty shoot-out, made some furious but unsuccessful attempts to equalize before the final whistle as the sun broke through the clouds at the Los Angeles stadium.
Canada will face either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a spot in the quarterfinals.
“We keep believing, we keep pushing and I don’t think we could have imagined it any other way,” Eustaquio said.
“It was an incredible goal. When I shot it, I felt like everyone did it with me. Everyone put a little bit of power into it and it went into the back of the net, so I’m very happy.”
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said his team had opportunities throughout the game, but they weren’t “lethal enough.”
“And then it’s Steph’s turn and I just hope she puts it in the picture and gives it a chance and bury it,” Marsch said.
“The hard work of these guys, the character, they are Canadian heroes. That’s what I told them at the end. They are Canadian heroes now. I’m very happy for them.”
Tense match in Los Angeles
Chances were few in a cautious first half, with little to separate the teams, both playing in the knockout rounds for the first time.
Canada’s best opening came just before half-time when a corner sparked a fight in the South Africa box, Moise Bombito sending in a header that was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba before Tajon Buchanan’s close-range shot hit Williams in the chest.
Moments later, Richie Laryea fell in the box, prompting Canada to call for a penalty, but the decision not to award the penalty stood after a VAR review, prompting loud boos from Canada’s army of red-clad supporters who dominated the stands.
Marsch continued to protest as the teams left the field at halftime, and Bombito appeared to urge him to move away from the referee.
Canada’s frustration mounted in the second half as South Africa showed little urgency to move forward while maintaining an impenetrable defense.
Canada had another chance just before half-time to hydrate in the second half when Tani Oluwaseyi’s shot hit the goalkeeper and Jonathan David was unable to head it in thanks to an excellent defensive effort from Mbekezeli Mbokazi to clear the ball.
But Eustaquio’s goal in added time put an end to Canada’s torment and excited their fans.
Having advanced from the group stage for the first time in three World Cup appearances, the co-hosts had to play their first match outside Canada in this year’s World Cup on Sunday, with just three days to rest after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Switzerland in their final group match on Wednesday.
‘Let’s be ready’
Canada, which has battled injuries, was boosted by the return of Bombito to the starting lineup and the comeback of captain Alphonso Davies off the bench, the Bayern Munich player who provided a second-half spark in its 2026 World Cup debut.
Marsch said he would fly to Mexico later on Sunday to watch the Netherlands take on Morocco at Monterrey Stadium on Monday.
“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 timid exit.
“Everyone is sad,” said Teboho Mokoena, who added that he had come agonizingly close to preventing victory.
“If I had taken three more steps, I could have stopped that shot,” he said.
The match marked the World Cup final for 74-year-old South African coach Hugo Broos and potentially ends a career spanning more than five decades as a player and coach.
“I will see in the next few days what I will do in the future,” he said.
“Without a doubt, this will be my last World Cup.”
