Canada edges South Africa 1-0 to reach World Cup round of 16

Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 on Sunday in the first round-of-32 match at the World Cup, advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in the program's history. Stephen Eustáquio scored the only goal in the second minute of second-half stoppage time at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

He chested down a clearance from Alistair Johnston’s long pass and volleyed the ball into the bottom corner of Ronwen Williams’ net.

The win sends Canada into the round of 16 against either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday. Canada finished second in its group after a 2-1 loss to Switzerland on June 24. Alphonso Davies entered as a substitute in the 75th minute for his first World Cup action of the tournament.

He had missed the group stage after injuring his hamstring for the third time in 2026 and had torn a knee ligament at the same stadium in March 2025. Canada, ranked 30th in the latest FIFA world rankings, created several chances before the late goal. South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made five saves, and the team recorded only one shot on goal.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch addressed his players on the field after the match. ” he said. “Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport. ” Marsch later noted the dramatic timing of the goal.

“We could have made life a little easier on ourselves if we would have made a play earlier when we had some big chances,” he said. ” Eustáquio said the group had worked for the result. “We have a special group.

We feel like we are brothers,” he said. “When we fight for each other, when we play for each other, special things like this can happen. ” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said his team lacked power and speed compared with the opponent.

“We had a difficult game, certainly,” he said.