Eustáquio Stoppage-Time Strike Sends Canada into Last 16

Canada beat South Africa 1–0 at Los Angeles Stadium in the first knockout match of the 2026 World Cup. After a goalless 90 minutes, captain Stephen Eustáquio took Ime Okon's half-clearance on his chest and fired into the bottom-left corner in the second minute of stoppage time to send the co-hosts into the last 16 for the first time in their history.

Canada finished with 12 shots and seven on target to South Africa's six and one in front of 69,237 fans, winning the expected-goals battle 1.32 to 0.13. Eustáquio was named Superior Player of the Match. South Africa were eliminated in the round of 32 despite their best finish since reaching the group stage in 2010.

Canada advance to the round of 16 and will face Morocco in Houston — the Atlas Lions having eliminated the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey. Les Rouges became the first team to book a place in the last 16, keeping their dream of a home-turf run alive beyond the group stage.