{"id":108197,"date":"2026-06-29T06:15:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T06:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/108197\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T06:15:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T06:15:12","slug":"world-cup-canada-edges-past-south-africa-to-progress-to-last-16-for-first-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/108197\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup: Canada edges past South Africa to progress to last 16 for first time"},"content":{"rendered":"

World Cup co-host Canada has beaten South Africa 1-0 to progress into the last 16 thanks to a last-gasp strike from Stephen Eust\u00e1quio in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

Despite dominating the chances at SoFi Stadium, Canada seemed destined not to break down South Africa’s dogged defence as the game entered injury time.<\/p>\n

However, Los Angeles FC midfielder Eust\u00e1quio had other ideas, powering a low shot from 20 metres out into the bottom corner to send Canadian supporters wild in the 92nd minute of the game.<\/p>\n

“It was an amazing goal,” Eust\u00e1quio said.<\/p>\n

“But when I shot, I felt that everybody shot with me. Everybody put a little bit of power on it and it went into the back of the net.”<\/p>\n

Canada had 12 shots in total, seven of them on target and had an xG of 1.32 but were denied by five saves from Bafana Bafana skipper Ronwen Williams and some sensational scrambling defence.<\/p>\n

\"Derek<\/p>\n

Derek Cornelius came desperately close to opening the scoring. (Getty Images: Alex Grimm)<\/p>\n

Just before half time Canada seemed certain to score when Moise Bombito powered a header towards goal, only for Aubrey Modiba to clear off the line as South Africa worked the ball clear.<\/p>\n

Richie Laryea thought he should have had a penalty soon after but his appeals were waved away by the officials.<\/p>\n

That simply built the frustration for the Canadians, with Jesse Marsh being pushed away from the fourth official on the sideline.<\/p>\n

\"Khuliso<\/p>\n

Richie Laryea went down, but no penalty was given. (Getty Images: Los Angeles Times\/Allen J. Schaben)<\/p>\n

“We knew the game would get a little wild at sometimes because they like to play in open spaces and sometimes, in transition, they can be very difficult to deal with,” Marsch said at full time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“We tried to make sure that we kept our structure and we tried to say we keep ramping up the level of the game and come from the bench and get stronger and see if we could punish them at some point.”<\/p>\n

The introduction of Alphonso Davies with quarter of an hour to play gave the Canadians a little extra juice, his ball to fellow substitute Promise David a beauty that resulted in David firing just wide.<\/p>\n

That followed another double chance for Canada, with Williams saving from Tani Oluwaseyi and Mbekezeli Mobikazi throwing himself in the way of Jonathan David’s follow up.<\/p>\n

Then, with extra time looming, Eust\u00e1quio popped up with his magic moment to send the Canadian’s through.<\/p>\n

\"Jesse<\/p>\n

Jesse Marsch has led Canada to uncharted waters as Canadian coach. (Getty Images: FIFA\/Jared C. Tilton)<\/p>\n

“We had chances in the whole game, but we weren’t lethal enough,” Marsch said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Then it fell to Steph and I’m just hoping he puts it on frame and gives us a chance. He buries it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“I can’t help but think of all the hard work from these guys. The character. They are Canadian heroes, that’s what I told them at the end. They are now Canadian heroes. I am so happy for them.”<\/p>\n

ABC Sport Daily podcast<\/a><\/p>\n

ABC Sport Daily is your daily sports conversation. We dive into the biggest story of the day and get you up to speed with everything else that’s making headlines.<\/p>\n

South Africa offered little throughout the game and would have no complaints with the result, but may have hoped their lion-hearted defending may have at least forced extra time.<\/p>\n

It was not to be though as Canada, playing in its first ever knock out match at a men’s World Cup, progressed to the last 16 for the first time.<\/p>\n

“I’m still just as proud as two or three days ago,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“I think we had a good World Cup but today, when we play against a team like this, with power and speed then we’re running behind. This is something we have to learn.”<\/p>\n

Canada will face the winner of the match between the Netherlands and Morocco in the last 16.<\/p>\n

Look back on how alll the action unfolded in our live blog.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 5:01am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 5:01am<\/p>\n

Live updates: South Africa vs Canada\"SimonMon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:13am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:13am<\/p>\n

Goodbye from me<\/p>\n

Well, it’s been short and sweet today.<\/p>\n

Just the one game.<\/p>\n

Thanks for joining me this morning.<\/p>\n

There are three more big games tomorrow, with Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands all in action.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:12am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:12am<\/p>\n

Canada players ‘still dancing’ after late drama\"\"(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Canada right-back Alistair Johnston calls the winning goal “one of the most special moments I’ve had on the football pitch”.<\/p>\n

“To score a late winner like that and see the emotion, just the understanding and grasping what we’ve just done hasn’t really hit us yet,” he says.<\/p>\n

“We’ve just won a knockout match at the World Cup. If you told me that five years ago or even a couple of months ago, it would have felt like make-believe. Here we are, we’re still dancing.”<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:07am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 8:07am<\/p>\n

South Africa boss to decide on retirement<\/p>\n

South Africa boss Hugo Broos had earlier said he would retire after the World Cup.<\/p>\n

He might yet do a U-turn.<\/p>\n

“We will take the decision in the next few days. But it’s been a nice World Cup. It will not be an easy decision. I can’t say now if I will stop or I will go,” he says.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:56am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:56am<\/p>\n

Canada ready to ‘go after a giant’<\/p>\n

Canada coach Jesse Marsch is looking forward to locking horns with either Morocco or the Netherlands in the next round.<\/p>\n

“They deserved the right to go after a giant and that’s what we’re going to do,” he says.<\/p>\n

“They are Canadian heroes, that’s what I told them at the end. They are now Canadian heroes. I am so happy for them.”<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:46am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:46am<\/p>\n

South Africa keeper ‘proud’ of team<\/p>\n

South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams tells ITV he’s “proud” of his teammates.<\/p>\n

“So proud of the boys to show our quality. We wanted to come here and compete. We can leave here with our heads high. Proud of the boys. The effort, the fight, the character. We keep fighting.<\/p>\n

“We didn’t have the best start to the tournament. Our backs were against the wall, but to come out today and show up, show our work. Can only be proud. It’s a very young team. It is good lessons for them now going into the future but we can be proud.”<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:38am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:38am<\/p>\n

South Korea president calls coach ‘incapable’<\/p>\n

– AP<\/p>\n

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned after the team’s quick elimination from the World Cup drew a harsh condemnation from the country’s president, who called the coach “incapable”.<\/p>\n

South Korea won its opening match, then lost its next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico.<\/p>\n

South Korea hoped it would qualify for the next round as one of the third-place teams to advance in this year\u2019s expanded tournament. That ended when DR Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1.<\/p>\n

The quick exit for a team that expected to advance left the national team program in turmoil and drew a sharp rebuke from President Lee Jae Myung. He leveled pointed criticism at the coach.<\/p>\n

“Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions determine everything. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire,” he said<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:28am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:28am<\/p>\n

Canadian hero says he scored ‘amazing goal’<\/p>\n

Goal hero Stephen Eustaquio has been speaking to ITV in the UK.<\/p>\n

He says he scored “an amazing goal”.<\/p>\n

He’s not wrong.<\/p>\n

“We really wanted to give this win to all of the Canadians. We just kept believing, kept pushing and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way.<\/p>\n

I think it was an amazing goal but when I shot, I felt everyone shot with me. They put a little bit of power on it and it went into the back of the net. So I am very happy.”<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:25am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:25am<\/p>\n

Broken leg won’t stop celebration\"\"(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Injured Canadian midfielder Isma\u00ebl Kon\u00e9 celebrated on the pitch after the win.<\/p>\n

He broke his leg after a bad challenge in the game against Qatar.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:19am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:19am<\/p>\n

Canada to stay in US for next round<\/p>\n

It seems a little weird for the co-hosts to play outside of their own country.<\/p>\n

Canada now moves to Houston, where they will face the winners of the game between Morocco and the Netherlands.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:11am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:11am<\/p>\n

Coach praises Canada’s ‘heroes’\"\"(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Canada coach Jesse Marsch talks to his team after the game.<\/p>\n

“You guys are Canadian heroes! Canadian heroes! The future of the sport in this country is huge because of you.”<\/p>\n

Canada are in the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time ever.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:05am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 7:05am<\/p>\n

End of the road for South Africa<\/p>\n

That late goal was hard to take for the South Africa players.<\/p>\n

They were perhaps a little too cautious though in the game.<\/p>\n

\"\"(Getty Images)\"\"(Getty Images)Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:57am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:57am<\/p>\n

FT: Canada beats South Africa after stoppage-time drama\"\"(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Canada scored a dramatic goal in stoppage time to beat South Africa 1-0 and progress to the round of 16 in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

With extra time looming, Stephen Eust\u00e1quio drilled a fine shot into the bottom corner.<\/p>\n

The game lacked real quality as South Africa were happy to sit back and defend.<\/p>\n

Canada wanted a penalty in the first half when Richie Laryea went down, but the VAR check decided there was no foul.<\/p>\n

Some amazing defending denied Canada a couple of times as the World Cup co-hosts pushed for a winner.<\/p>\n

A tense match appeared to be headed for extra time until Eust\u00e1quio \u2014 who plays professionally for Los Angeles FC \u2014 put a stunning volley from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner of Ronwen Williams’s net.<\/p>\n

\"\"(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Williams made five saves for South Africa, hanging in until the final moments in search of another historic win for the team known as Bafana Bafana.<\/p>\n

Canada had the best chances, but underdog South Africa stayed firm defensively and created a handful of excellent chances itself.<\/p>\n

The co-hosts hung on with strong defensive play in the final minutes of the tournament\u2019s first round of 32 match<\/p>\n

Canada will face the winners of the Netherlands vs Morocco in the next round in Houston.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:52am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:52am<\/p>\n

90+1 Goal for Canada!! Late drama in LA\"\"(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Stephen Eustaquio is the hero Canada needed!<\/p>\n

It’s a fantastic finish.<\/p>\n

He chests the ball down, then drills the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.<\/p>\n

A rare moment of quality in this game.<\/p>\n

Heartbreak for South Africa.<\/p>\n

They look to be heading out.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:51am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:51am<\/p>\n

Five minutes of stoppage time<\/p>\n

Time for a hero to step up?<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:46am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:46am<\/p>\n

85′ South Africa shot from distance<\/p>\n

They’ve barely threatened this half.<\/p>\n

Oswin Appollis tries his luck from distance, but it’s an easy save for Maxime Crepeau.<\/p>\n

South Africa makes a couple of changes as we enter the last five minutes in LA.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:40am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:40am<\/p>\n

79′ Davies making big impact for Canada<\/p>\n

Alphonso Davies prods the ball through for Jonathan David who shoots at the near post, but the keeper saves.<\/p>\n

Davies has only been on for a few minutes and he’s created two chances.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:38am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:38am<\/p>\n

77′ Good chance for Canada<\/p>\n

Davies plays the ball through to Promise David, who drags a shot inches wide of the post.<\/p>\n

Decent chance for the sub.<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:37am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:37am<\/p>\n

75′ Bayern star on for Canada<\/p>\n

Canada’s star man, Alphonso Davies, is on as a sub.<\/p>\n

The Bayern Munich man gets his first minutes in this World Cup.<\/p>\n

He’s been out with a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n

Can he provide the spark?<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:32am<\/p>\n

Mon 29 Jun 2026 at 6:32am<\/p>\n

70′ Canada makes changes in attack<\/p>\n

Tani Oluwaseyi is off with Promise David coming on.<\/p>\n

Jacob Shaffelburg also replaces Liam Miller.<\/p>\n

Show more posts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"World Cup co-host Canada has beaten South Africa 1-0 to progress into the last 16 thanks to a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":108198,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[2499,37750,17,1312,38184,785,35664,38183,31494,37977,3543],"class_list":["post-108197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-canada","tag-2026-world-cup","tag-bafana-bafana","tag-canada","tag-fifa-world-cup","tag-knock-out","tag-live","tag-live-updates","tag-round-of-32","tag-south-africa","tag-south-africa-vs-canada","tag-world-cup"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=108197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108197\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/108198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=108197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=108197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=108197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}