Canada beat South Africa 1-0 after Stephen Eustáquio scored in the 92nd minute at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, sending the co-hosts into their first FIFA World Cup last 16.
Eustáquio struck from the edge of the penalty area and beat South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
South Africa tried to respond in stoppage time but failed to force extra time before the final whistle. Canada will face either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a place in the quarter-finals.
“We just kept believing, we kept pushing,” Eustáquio said after the match. He said every teammate helped power the shot into the net.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said his team created chances but lacked finishing before Eustáquio’s late goal. Marsch called the players “Canadian heroes” after the win.
Canada had earlier gone close before halftime when Moïse Bombito’s header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba. Tajon Buchanan then saw a close-range effort hit Williams.
Canada’s appeals for a penalty after Richie Laryea went down in the area failed after a VAR review.
Alphonso Davies returned from injury off the bench and made his 2026 World Cup debut. Bombito also returned to the starting lineup.
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South Africa reached the knockout stage for the first time in four World Cup appearances. Coach Hugo Broos said the match was his last World Cup.
