With the long group stage of the 2026 World Cup barely over, all eyes were already on Los Angeles this Sunday, June 26, for the first-ever Round of 32 match of the competition. After a nail-biting finish, Canada secured their qualification against South Africa (1-0) in stoppage time, thanks to a decisive goal from Stephen Eustaquio.

For these two nations, newcomers at this level of a World Cup, the stakes were immense: to secure a historic ticket to the round of 16 and to offer themselves a clash against the winner of the Netherlands - Morocco match (scheduled for Tuesday, June 30 at 01:00 UTC).

1. On the South African side: After a false start against Mexico, Bafana Bafana had been gaining momentum. Belgian coach Hugo Broos hoped to extend their run, as South Africa had never progressed beyond the group stage in their first three appearances (1998, 2002, 2010).
2. On the Canadian side: The historical record was even worse. In 1986 and 2022, the Canucks were eliminated in the first round without ever managing to win a single game in a world tournament.

A frustrating first period for the Canucks

There was no feeling-out period in Los Angeles. The two teams engaged in an intense physical battle from the opening moments of the game. The Canadians looked the more dangerous side.

1. 15th minute: Jonathan David unleashed a right-footed volley that grazed Ronwen Williams' left post.
2. 20th minute: Alone in front of goal, Derek Cornelius lacked the power to beat the South African goalkeeper.
3. 43rd minute (Golden opportunity): From a corner taken by Stephen Eustaquio, Nice's Moïse Bombito headed the ball, but Aubrey Modiba cleared it off the line. Moments later, Tajon Buchanan's attempt was brilliantly saved by Williams.

Despite clear dominance and big opportunities, Canada went into the locker room with a goalless draw, thwarted by the Bafana Bafana defense.

Eustaquio delivers Canada at the end of the night

The scenario remained the same in the second half. Facing a South African side too timid in attack, the Canadians were sorely lacking in clinical finishing. In the 65th minute, after a Tani Oluwaseyi run was thwarted by Williams, Jonathan David thought he had opened the scoring, but defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi made a last-ditch save. In the 78th minute, David was once again denied by a brilliant performance from Williams.

The turning point of the match: Just as the game seemed destined for extra time, the Los Angeles stadium erupted in hysteria. In stoppage time, LAFC's defensive midfielder, Stephen Eustaquio , unleashed a pure right-footed strike from the edge of the box to send his country into raptures.

Thanks to this heroic finale, Canada continues its historic run. For South Africa, the end is a cruel blow: Bafana Bafana become the second African nation to exit the competition after Tunisia.