Canada booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in history after Stephen Eustáquio struck a dramatic 92nd-minute winner to seal a 1-0 victory over South Africa in the Round of 32.
With extra time looming, Eustáquio delivered the decisive goal deep into stoppage time to send the Canadians through and end South Africa’s World Cup campaign.
The victory marks Canada’s first-ever qualification for the Round of 16 at a FIFA World Cup and keeps their historic tournament run alive.
There was another major boost for Canada as captain Alphonso Davies made his first appearance of the 2026 World Cup after recovering from injury. His return provided a timely lift as Canada secured a memorable knockout victory.
South Africa bow out after an impressive tournament that saw them reach the knockout stage, but Eustáquio’s late strike ended their hopes of a first-ever Round of 16 victory.
Canada will now face the winner of the Round of 32 tie between the Netherlands and Morocco in the Round of 16.
