Canada First World Cup Knockout Win
USA - Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio, 29, score late class goal. Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in World Cup round of 16 opener.
SoFi Stadium, California, June 28. South Africa, Canada play first World Cup knockout match. Loss to Switzerland 1-2 in group stage force co-host Canada play in neighbor country.
Stephen Eustaquio goal in Canada win over South Africa at SoFi Stadium, California, USA, June 28, 2026. Photo: AP
Three days ago, SoFi VIP stand have Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Edward Norton. South Africa vs Canada low profile. Only actress Jessica Alba, boyfriend Danny Ramirez attend. FIFA President Gianni Infantino sit next to South Africa legend Tsiphiwe Tshabalala.
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Match play show why Eustaquio late goal save fans. Avoid extra time in low quality match.
Canada attack. South Africa defend to frustrate. Canada need 22 minutes for first chance. Derek Cornelius miss Eustaquio free kick, head to goalie Ronwen Williams.
Eustaquio set pieces dangerous. Left corner kick cause chaos. Aubrey Modiba clear Moise Bombito header on line. Williams catch Tajon Buchanan rebound.
Before halftime, Richie Laryea fall in box after contact with Khuliso Mudau. Canada demand penalty. Referee Joao Pinheiro refuse. VAR Carlos del Cerro Grande no intervene.
Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio celebrate after 1-0 win over South Africa in World Cup round of 16 at SoFi Stadium, California, USA, June 28, 2026. Photo: Reuters
Second half same. Canada attack, fail against center-backs Mbokazi, Okon. Hit wall. Tani Oluwaseyi break through from Niko Sigur pass, goalie Williams save.
Goalie, 34, break World Cup record (since 1966) for goalie passes. Complete 77 passes. Beat Manuel Neuer record of 51 vs Japan in 2022.
Canada run out of ideas. Star Alphonso Davies sub in minute 75. Eustaquio score. Control chest after bad clearance by Ime Okon. Volley low into left corner. Crowd go wild.
Joy of coach Jesse Marsch, players after win over South Africa in World Cup round of 16 at SoFi Stadium, California, USA, June 28, 2026. Photo: Reuters
Eustaquio play for Los Angeles FC on loan from Porto. Parents Portuguese immigrants. Third MLS player score in World Cup knockout. Match Landon Donovan, Brian McBride.
Eustaquio drive Canada attack. Second player in history (since 1966) create 5 chances from set pieces in World Cup knockout. Only Andrea Pirlo do this before vs Germany in 2006.
Canada finish with 12 shots, South Africa 6. Canada 7 on target, South Africa 1. Canada dominate expected goals (xG): 1.32 to 0.13.
Poll
90,583 votes
Who win World Cup 2026?
Argentina 18% 15,988 votes
France 17% 14,990 votes
Spain 14% 12,771 votes
Portugal 12% 10,915 votes
Germany 6% 5,583 votes
Brazil 14% 12,451 votes
England 14% 12,590 votes
Other team 6% 5,295 votes
Time: 8/5/2026 - 22/6/2026
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