Stephen Eustáquio scored in stoppage time to send Canada past South Africa and into the Round of 16 at the men’s World Cup.
Fans in red filled Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and watched Canada earn its first knockout stage win. The match stayed tense and scrappy, with few clear chances. In the final seconds, Eustáquio struck a volley from outside the box to seal a dramatic 1‑0 victory.
The win marked Canada’s first progression beyond the group stage. It also featured Alphonso Davies’ return. Head coach Jesse Marsch explained that he had used Davies as a tactical “decoy” in earlier matches against Switzerland and Qatar.
Canada now prepares for a July 4 clash in Houston against either Morocco or the Netherlands. Both opponents are formidable, but Canada will carry confidence from breaking new ground.
Marsch praised his team’s discipline: “We didn’t give much away. Even when the goalkeeper slowed things down, we stayed patient. We could have finished earlier chances, but the timing of the goal made the win incredibly dramatic. The impact back home will inspire Canadians everywhere.”
