Canada booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Africa 1-0 in a tense Round of 32 encounter, with Stephen Eustaquio scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
The contest remained finely balanced for much of the match as South Africa produced a disciplined defensive performance to frustrate the Canadians.
Canada dominated possession and pressed for the breakthrough, while South Africa posed a threat on the counterattack and looked on course to force the game into extra time.
The intensity of the contest saw Canada’s Nathan Saliba receive a yellow card as both sides battled relentlessly for a place in the last 16.
Just when the match appeared destined for an additional 30 minutes, Canada struck the decisive blow in the second minute of stoppage time.
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Eustaquio found the net in the 90+2nd minute to shatter South Africa’s hopes and seal a hard-earned victory for the North Americans.
The late winner reflected Canada’s persistence in a closely fought encounter where clear-cut chances were few and far between.
South Africa exit the tournament with pride after a resolute defensive display that brought them within moments of extending their World Cup campaign.
Canada will now take on the winners of the Round of 32 tie between the Netherlands and Morocco as they continue their quest for a place in the quarter-finals.
The Round of 32 is being used at the FIFA World Cup for the first time following FIFA’s expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams.
The expanded format allows 32 nations to progress from the group stage into the knockout rounds in pursuit of the World Cup title.
