World Cup 2026: Canada eliminate South Africa thanks to late Eustaquio goal

Stephen Eustaquio scored in the 90+2nd minute as Canada beat South Africa 1-0 at SoFi Stadium to reach the World Cup 2026 round of 16.

Henry DONCHE
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Illustration du match Afrique du Sud VS Canada, le 28/06/2026 20:00, stade Los Angeles Stadium
Illustration du match Afrique du Sud VS Canada, le 28/06/2026 20:00, stade Los Angeles Stadium
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SUMMARY

In a World Cup 2026 round-of-32 clash played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Canada edged South Africa at the last moment, winning 1-0 thanks to a Stephen Eustaquio goal in the 90+2nd minute. The victory sends the Canadians through to the round of 16, at the expense of Bafana Bafana.

The two teams, who qualified after contrasting group-stage campaigns, met for a place in the round of 16. South Africa, coached by Hugo Broos and set up in a 4-2-3-1, showed solidity despite having the majority of possession (57%). Jesse Marsch’s Canada, lined up in a 4-4-2, proved clinical and efficient, making the most of their chances in the South African penalty area.

The match was tense and hard-fought, with clear-cut chances at a premium. South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stood out with several decisive saves, finishing the match with five crucial stops. For Canada, Stephen Eustaquio carried weight in midfield and scored the winning goal in stoppage time, securing qualification for his team.

The substitutions brought life to the second half, with Canada making several attacking and defensive changes from the 59th minute through the introductions of Moise Bombito, Niko Sigur, Jacob Shaffelburg, Tani Oluwaseyi, and Tajon Buchanan. In response, South Africa tried to get back into the match with the contributions of Ernest Makgopa and Thapelo Maseko late on. However, the Canadian block remained solid until the final whistle.

On the disciplinary front, Canada received two yellow cards, while South Africa remained without a booking. Possession and the number of shots favoured the South Africans (57% possession, 5 shots including 1 on target), but the Canadians capitalised on their 11 attempts (6 on target). The difference, then, came down to attacking accuracy and managing the key moments.

South Africa in a 4-2-3-1 system with a solid defence

Led by Hugo Broos, South Africa took the field in a classic 4-2-3-1. Ronwen Williams, the goalkeeper, was a defensive pillar, while the back line featured Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba. The defensive-midfield pairing of Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole looked to stabilise the middle, supported by Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis in playmaking roles and as support for striker Evidence Makgopa.

Canada deployed in a 4-4-2 with Eustaquio driving midfield and dangerous wingers

Jesse Marsch’s Canada opted for a solid and direct 4-4-2. Maxime Crépeau was in goal. The defence consisted of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea. The midfield included Nathan-Dylan Saliba and Stephen Eustaquio, whose leadership role was confirmed, while Liam Millar and Tajon Buchanan operated on the flanks. In attack, Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi led the front line. These tactical choices allowed Canada to control transitions and remain dangerous in attacking phases, illustrated by their central midfielder’s match-saving goal at the very end.

South Africa
Finished Los Angeles Stadium
Canada
28/06/2026 20:00 Round of 32
Fil du match
  1. 46'Remplacement - R. Mofokeng (remplace T. Mbatha)Afrique du Sud, 46e
  2. 54'Carton jaune - N. SalibaCanada, 54e
  3. 59'Remplacement - N. Saliba (remplace N. Sigur)Canada, 59e
  4. 59'Remplacement - M. Bombito (remplace L. De Fougerolles)Canada, 59e
  5. 67'Carton jaune - N. SigurCanada, 67e
  6. 70'Remplacement - T. Oluwaseyi (remplace P. David)Canada, 70e
  7. 70'Remplacement - L. Millar (remplace J. Shaffelburg)Canada, 70e
  8. 75'Remplacement - T. Buchanan (remplace A. Davies)Canada, 75e
  9. 86'Remplacement - E. Makgopa (remplace I. Rayners)Afrique du Sud, 86e
  10. 86'Remplacement - T. Maseko (remplace T. Moremi)Afrique du Sud, 86e
  11. 90+2'But - S. EustaquioCanada, 90+2e
Les chiffres du match
  • Tirs cadres : South Africa 1 / Canada 6
  • Tirs : South Africa 5 / Canada 11
  • Possession : South Africa 57% / Canada 43%
  • Corners : South Africa 1 / Canada 4
  • Fautes : South Africa 8 / Canada 14
  • Cartons jaunes : South Africa 0 / Canada 2
  • Passes : South Africa 446 / Canada 326
  • Precision des passes : South Africa 85% / Canada 79%
  • xG : South Africa 0.10 / Canada 1.23
Joueurs clés
  • Ronwen Williams (South Africa) : note 8.2, 5 arret(s)
  • Aubrey Modiba (South Africa) : note 8
  • Stephen Eustaquio (Canada) : note 7.7
  • Khuliso Mudau (South Africa) : note 7.3
  • Ime Okon (South Africa) : note 7.2
World Cup 2026 schedule
View full schedule
Group A
Mexico
Finished Estadio Azteca
South Africa
Group A
South Korea
Finished Estadio Akron
Czech Republic
Group B
Canada
Finished BMO Field
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group D
United States
Finished SoFi Stadium
Paraguay
Group B
Qatar
Finished Levi's Stadium
Switzerland
Group C
Brazil
Finished MetLife Stadium
Morocco
Group C
Haiti
Finished Gillette Stadium
Scotland
Group D
Australia
Finished BC Place
Turkey
Group E
Germany
Finished NRG Stadium
Curaçao
Group F
Netherlands
Finished AT&T Stadium
Japan
Group E
Ivory Coast
Finished Lincoln Financial Field
Ecuador
Group F
Sweden
Finished Estadio BBVA
Tunisia
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