Canada wins do-or-die FIFA World Cup game in dramatic fashion
Canada will live to fight another day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Canadians took Los Angeles by storm on Sunday, defeating South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32. It’s a historic victory, giving Canada its second-ever men’s World Cup win, and its first in the knockout stages.
They’ll play in the Round of 16 on July 4 in Houston.
Stephen Eustáquio was the hero for Canada, scoring a dramatic late goal in injury time to secure the victory over South Africa.
“Everything I do is for my family,” said an emotional Eustáquio after the match. “I do it for parents, for my girlfriend, for my daughter, for my brother, for my friends back home, for all of them.”Â
CANADA HAS SCORED IN ADDED TIME! 🇨🇦
Stephen Eustáquio finds the back of the net to send Canada into jubilation!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/F0Bt0xfCAC
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 28, 2026
It was a scoreless first half that saw Canada and South Africa trade chances. The best look came from a late Canadian corner-kick at the 43rd minute that caused chaos in the South African box, where both MoĂŻse Bombito and Tajon Buchanan were denied on chances.
Before that, it was Derek Cornelius who nearly scored for Canada at the 21st minute, but could not get enough on a header.
A mad scramble in the South Africa box has Canada come incredibly close but Ronwen Williams keeps it out.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/uDOejF6N6r
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 28, 2026
The chess match continued into the second half, as both sides battled to open the scoring. Canada had a fantastic chance as Tani Oluwaseyi won a race to the ball, but couldn’t beat South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Jonathan David was then thwarted on the rebound.
Tani Oluwaseyi and Jonathan David get a HUGE chance but South Africa keeps it out.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/llnOCGoXWe
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 28, 2026
Alphonso Davies made his long-awaited return to the pitch, coming on for Buchanan in the 74th minute. While he didn’t seem to have his trademark speed, the match turned in Canada’s favour after he stepped onto the pitch.
“They’re Canadian heroes, that’s what I told them at the end,” said Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch after the match. “They’re now Canadian heroes. I’m so happy for them.”
Jesse Marsch speaks on how he feels following Canada's historic win over South Africa.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/gSapVIxUny
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 28, 2026
It’s been a historic run for Canada at this year’s World Cup, which now has victories over South Africa and Qatar, a draw to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a loss to Switzerland. They are hoping to keep the good times going further into the knockout stages, but they will be up against their biggest challenge yet.
Canada will face the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco in the Round of 16. That match will start at 1 p.m. EDT/10 a.m. PDT on July 4.