Stephen Eustaquio hammered home a rasping strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 92nd minute to give Canada a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, propelling the co-hosts into the World Cup round of 16 for the first time in their history.
Eustaquio received the ball on the edge of the South African penalty area and powered it past diving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in a thrilling conclusion to the first World Cup knockout match.
South Africa, who had seemed content to play extra time and a possible penalty shootout, made a few furious but unsuccessful attempts to equalize before the final whistle as the sun broke through the clouds at Los Angeles Stadium.
Canada will then face the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a place in the quarterfinals.
“We kept believing, we kept pushing and I think we couldn’t have imagined it any other way,” Eustaquio said.
“It was an incredible goal. When I scored it, I felt like everyone was pulling it with me. Everyone put a little power into it, and it went into the back of the net, so I’m very happy.”
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said his team had chances throughout the match, but they weren’t “deadly enough.”
“And then it comes down to Steph and I just hope he puts it on the frame and gives it a chance and bury it,” Marsch said.
“The hard work of these guys, the character, they’re Canadian heroes. That’s what I told them at the end. They’re Canadian heroes now. I’m so happy for them.”
Tense match in Los Angeles
Chances were few and far between in a cagey first half, with little difference between the teams, both of whom were playing in the round of 16 for the first time.
Canada’s best opening came just before half-time when a corner sparked a scramble in the South African box, with Moise Bombito sending a header towards goal which was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba before Tajon Buchanan’s close-range effort hit Williams in the chest.
Moments later, Richie Laryea went down in the box, prompting the Canadians to appeal for a penalty, but the decision not to award a spot-kick stood after a VAR review, prompting loud boos from Canada’s army of red-clad supporters, who dominated the stands.
Marsch continued to protest as the teams left the field at halftime, with Bombito appearing to pull him away from the referee.
Frustration grew for Canada in the second half as South Africa showed little urgency moving forward while maintaining an impenetrable defense.
Canada had another chance just before the second half hydration break when Tani Oluwaseyi’s shot hit the keeper and Jonathan David failed to ricochet a header thanks to an excellent defensive effort from Mbekezeli Mbokazi to clear the ball.
But Eustaquio’s goal, in the middle of a stoppage time, put an end to Canada’s torments and delighted its fans.
After advancing through the group stage for the first time in three World Cup appearances, the co-hosts had to play their first match outside Canada at this year’s World Cup on Sunday, with just three days of rest following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Switzerland in their final group stage match on Wednesday.
“We’re going to be ready.”
Canada, which has been plagued by injuries, was boosted by the return of Bombito to the starting lineup and the return of captain Alphonso Davies to the bench, with the Bayern Munich player providing a second-half spark on his 2026 World Cup debut.
Marsch said he would fly to Mexico later on Sunday to watch the Netherlands face Morocco on Monday at the Estadio Monterrey.
“We’re going to be willing to throw everything we have at a giant,” he said.
South Africa can hold their heads high after reaching the knockout stage for the first time in four attempts, although they will rue a tame exit.
“Everyone is sad,” said Teboho Mokoena, who added that he almost prevented the winner.
“If I had taken three more steps, I could have stopped that shot,” he said.
The match marked the World Cup final for 74-year-old South African coach Hugo Broosand, who could end a career spanning more than five decades as a player and manager.
“I will see in the coming days what I will do for the future,” he said.
“Of course, it’s my last World Cup.”
