World Cup 2026: Canada beat South Africa in their first-ever knockout stage match win
By Sky News, June 29, 2026Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner for co-hosts Canada as they beat South Africa 1-0 to become the first team to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The game looked to be petering out to extra-time and possibly penalties following a stoic defensive performance from South Africa until Eustaquio chested the ball down inside the box and nestled his half volley into the far corner to finally beat Ronwen Williams in the 92nd minute.
The match-winning moment came after Canada had been thwarted at every given chance by South Africa with Moise Bombito’s header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s heroic challenge denied Jonathan David a simple header with the goal gaping.
“You guys showing your character, you guys are Canadian heroes now,” said Canada boss Jesse Marsch to his players at full-time. “Canadian heroes, for the future children of this country.”
Canada also felt they should have had a penalty when Richie Laryea went down following a challenge from Khuliso Mudau inside the area just before the break, but, following a VAR review, the on-field decision was confirmed.
Replays showed a small touch on the ball from Mudau before making contact with Laryea but that did not tame the half-time reaction from Canada head coach Marsch, who had to be ushered away from the match officials by his own players.
The reaction from Marsch at full-time following the late winner was in stark contrast to the 45-minute whistle, as he and his squad celebrated. They can now look ahead to their last-16 match against Morocco or Netherlands in Houston on July 4.
Jesse Marsch speaking to his players after full-time:
“We talked about sticking to the plan, sticking to who we want to be. Playing aggressive, accessing the qualities.
“You guys showing your character, you guys are Canadian heroes now. Canadian heroes, for the future children of this country.
“This sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are, because of this game.”