A right cross by Stephen Eustaquio in the 90+2 minute gave Canada a 1-0 victory over South Africa at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The team led by Jesse Marsch thus became the first to qualify for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The goal that sealed history
Eustaquio, a soccer player for Los Angeles FC (MLS), captured a clearance by Ime Okon after a cross from Jacob Shaffelburg. From the door of the area, he defined a cross to unleash the celebration of the Canadian fans, who filled the stands.
Canada had already passed the group stage for the first time as host along with the United States and Mexico. Now, with this victory, it marks a new advance in its World Cup history.
South Africa says goodbye to its coach with record
South Africa, which also achieved its first pass to the round of 16 after trailing Mexico in Group A, tried to surprise in the second half. A shot by Oswin Appollis went wide in the 62nd minute, and three minutes later Mbekezeli Mbokazi saved a goal from David after Williams blocked Tani Oluwaseyi. Promise David hit a right-footed shot just wide in the 76th minute, and Williams responded to a left-footed shot from Jonathan David. Crépeau caught another shot from Appollis in the 85th minute, South Africa’s last chance.
The coach of South Africa, the Belgian Hugo Broos, became at 74 years and 79 days the oldest coach to coach a direct elimination duel in the history of the World Cup, surpassing the Uruguayan Óscar Tabárez (71 years and 125 days in the 2018 Russia quarterfinals).
Canada now awaits the winner of the match between the Netherlands and Morocco, who will face each other tomorrow at the Monterrey Stadium. The round of 16 duel is scheduled for Saturday, July 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
