Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner to send co-hosts Canada into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the first time in their history, defeating South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles on Sunday. The midfielder described the victory as a "collective effort" and said the team "kept believing and kept pushing" until the final whistle.
Eustaquio's stoppage-time strike seals historic win
Canada's midfield general struck from the edge of the box after a loose South African clearance, driving the ball low into the bottom-left corner, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The goal sparked wild celebrations among players and fans, as Canada secured a spot in the Round of 16 for the first time since the tournament expanded.
"We just kept believing, we kept pushing, and I think we couldn't have imagined it any other way," Eustaquio said, according to Reuters. "It was an amazing goal. When I shot it, I felt everybody shot it with me. Everybody put a little bit of power on it, and it went to the back of the net, so I'm very happy."
Marsch praises team's character and resilience
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch praised Eustaquio's match-winning contribution and highlighted the squad's mentality. "And then it falls to Steph, and I just hope he'll put it on frame and give it a chance, and he buries it," Marsch said. "The hard work from these guys, the character – they're Canadian heroes. That's what I told them at the end. They are now Canadian heroes. I'm so happy for them."
Marsch's side will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs Morocco match at Houston Stadium in the next round. The victory marks a historic milestone for Canadian football, as the team advances beyond the group stage for the first time in a men's World Cup.
