Canada moves on with massive and dramatic World Cup triumph over South Africa

Published Jun 28, 2026  •  Last updated 3 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

Canada's defender #22 Richie Laryea and defender #23 Niko Sigur celebrate after winning their World Cup round of 32 against South Africa in Los Angeles. Photo by Patrick T. Fallon /Getty Images

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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — They came here to Southern California, booted out of their own country despite being a World Cup host.

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They came ultimately to add to the history they’ve already made this World Cup and not just rest upon it.

And then with their captain, finally and gloriously making his debut in the tournament, the Canadians truly came to life.

An added time goal by Stephen Eustaquio, one for the ages in this country’s sporting lexicon, sent the Canadian sideline into rapture and with the 1-0 victory over South Africa, onto the Round of 16.

A game in which Canada had numerous chances to win early, hit a next level when Alphonso Davies was substituted in at the 75th minute, drawing a massive roar from the Canadians at spectacular Los Angeles Stadium.

The effect was real and immediate. With minutes, the Canadians had a pair of superb chances as they continue to press the underdog South Africans.

And then came Euestaquio, who got alone in front of the South African net, calmed the ball with his net and then blasted it home with a powerful right foot that was destined to delight a nation.

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It was an incredible afternoon of theatre at one of the world’s greatest sporting venues as the South Africans sat back, hoping to will the Canadians into submission.

But coach Jesse Marsch’s persistent encouragement for his team to attack eventually paid off.

Canada will remain here in California for a scheduled training session on Monday before travelling to Houston to face the winner of the Morocco-Netherlands match in a Round of 16 match on Saturday.

“These guys, they’re all Canadian heroes, that’s what I told them at the end,” an emotional Marsch said moments after it concluded. “The hard work from these guys, the character of them. I can’t help but thing back to all of the work that has gone in to get to this moment.”

As opportunity after opportunity bypassed them, Marsch remained confident that the finish would finally arrive. That it did in such dramatic fashion only added to the magic of a moment that won’t soon be forgotten.

“We had chances the whole game, but we weren’t lethal enough,” Marsch said. “Then it obviously falls to Steph and he buries it.”

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When the final whistle blew, the Canadians poured onto the pitch to celebrate the biggest moment the men’s program has ever seen.

And now a tournament that was a good one for one of the three host nations has turned great. With an opportunity to get even better.

First half flurry

For much of the first half — and particularly in the late going — it seemed like it was going to be an afternoon of opportunity squandered for the Canadians.

They certainly had the fill of better opportunities, none more juicy than the header attempt by Moises Bombito in the 44th minute, a powerful strike that was rather miraculously thwarted at the line by the Bafana, Bafana midfielder, Aubrey Modiba.

Way back in the 22nd minute, Derek Cornelius had at least as good an opportunity in close but barely made enough contact with his head.

The half ended in profound frustration for the Canadians as Bombito had to physically restrain Marsch from going at the officials. Davies, who didn’t play in the half, redirected a couple of his teammates from doing the same.

At issue was a tackle on rough tackle Richie Laryea late in added time that the Canadians were adamant should have been a penalty. As he does, Marsch was losing his mind on the sideline at what he perceived to be an injustice.

Next Up

Canada will remain here in California for a scheduled training session on Monday before travelling to Houston to face the winner of the Morocco-Netherlands match in a Round of 16 match on Saturday.

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