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Canada captain Eustaquio says country’s soccer is in a better place after World Cup show
05th July, 2026 11:40 AM
Canada’s time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has concluded, but not before they gave their supporters the ride of a lifetime. A multitude of milestones were reached in their home global finals in North America: a first point, first victory, first knockout round appearance and victory, and a record number of goals scored (9).
The Reds depart following a 3-0 loss to Morocco in the Round of 16 at Houston Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and while there was plenty of disappointment and frustration, there was also a lot of pride.
Still proud
“We worked a lot to get to this stage and have a good performance,” the midfielder and captain Stephen Eustáquio told FIFA.
“Obviously, getting out of the group stage was an amazing feeling. And then winning that knockout round against South Africa was top for the country. There was a point today at half-time that we felt we could have pushed this and made it to the quarter-finals, but at the same time, it was details. But I can be proud of the group. I think we did an amazing job. And we look forward to another four-year cycle.”
Canada enjoyed a bright start, as they pressed the Moroccans into committing several defensive mistakes that led to scoring chances. A defensive lapse yielded the Atlas Lions’ opener shortly after the restart, and from there it was an uphill fight.
“I think we pressured them and were on top of them,” said Eustaquio. “I think we created difficulties. I think the first big chance was ours, and we didn’t score. And then the first chance, kind of half-chance they have on a set piece with 20 bodies in front of the goal, they scored. I think that was the difference today.
“And then, obviously, the game opens up. We went after it, but in transition they ended up scoring two more. I think the result doesn’t kind of translate to what the game was. But at the same time, fair enough, they took their chances.”
Better place
Taking a step back to absorb everything that Canada have done in the build-up to the tournament and then what they accomplished on the pitch in historical fashion, Eustaquio believes the sport has never been in better shape in the country.
“We’re leaving Canadian soccer in a better place,” he said. “I think it was amazing for everybody to see back home in Toronto, Vancouver, especially in the fan parties. Hopefully, the whole country was the same. Everybody jumping, everybody screaming, everybody supporting. It ends today, but at the same time I think everybody back home should be very supportive for the next four years,” he said.
