Stephen Eustaquio delivered the moment of the tournament for co-hosts Canada, netting a stunning stoppage-time winner to beat South Africa 1-0 and become the first team to secure a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Canada and South Africa were level at 0-0 heading into stoppage time at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with extra time and penalties appearing inevitable. Then, in the 92nd minute, Eustaquio chested the ball down inside the penalty area and dispatched a precise half-volley into the far corner, finally beating Ronwen Williams to spark jubilant scenes on the pitch and in the stands.

South Africa's defensive heroics almost earned a share of the points

The Canadian side had controlled much of the contest but were repeatedly frustrated by a resolute South Africa defence. Moise Bombito thought he had opened the scoring with a firm header, only for Aubrey Modiba to clear the ball off the line and deny him.

Moments later, Mbekezeli Mbokazi produced a remarkable last-ditch challenge to deny Jonathan David what appeared to be a simple headed finish with the goal at his mercy. Tanu Oluwaseyi was also denied by an impressive Williams, who kept South Africa in the contest for the better part of 90 minutes.

Penalty controversy before the break

Canada's frustration boiled over before half-time when Richie Laryea went down inside the area under a challenge from Khuliso Mudau. The referee waved away the appeal, and a subsequent VAR review upheld the on-field decision — though replays suggested Mudau did make minimal contact with the ball before catching Laryea.

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch was furious at the interval, needing to be physically separated from the match officials by members of his own squad. By full-time, however, the mood had swung entirely — Marsch and his players celebrated the late winner with unbridled joy.

What comes next for Canada

Canada will now face either Morocco or Netherlands in the last-16 round, with that match scheduled for July 4 in Houston. The co-hosts have given their home supporters exactly the kind of drama they craved — and they are now just one win away from the quarter-finals.