FIFA 2026: Canada beat South Africa to reach round of 16

Canada has reached the FIFA World Cup round of 16 with a 1-0 win over South Africa in their round of 32 match on Sunday in Inglewood, California. Stephen Eustaquio scored the only goal in the second minute of second-half stoppage time after collecting a poorly headed clearance and placing his shot into the bottom-left corner from outside the penalty area.

Canada will face the winner of Monday’s match between Morocco and the Netherlands in Houston on Saturday. The Canadians had the better of the chances throughout the match, recording 18 shots to South Africa’s 12 and 7 shots on target compared with 1 for their opponents.

Captain Alphonso Davies made his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury on May 6, coming on in the 75th minute. Shortly after entering the match, he set up Promise David, whose effort went just wide of the left post.

South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made several important saves, including denying Tani Oluwaseyi after the hour mark. Jonathan David looked set to convert the rebound, but defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi cleared the ball before it crossed the line.

Canada also came close late in the first half when Moise Bombito’s header from a corner was blocked on the goal line by Aubrey Modiba. Tajon Buchanan’s follow-up effort was saved by Williams.

In first-half stoppage time, Richie Laryea appealed for a penalty after a challenge by Khuliso Mudau inside the box, but the on-field decision of no penalty was upheld following a VAR review.

Canada led 8-3 in total attempts and 4-1 in shots on target at halftime. The match marked the first World Cup knockout appearance for both Canada and South Africa.