Knockout Stage Debut
Four days after securing a spot in the knockout stage, Canada played and won its first-ever knockout stage match, marking a new era in Canadian soccer. This achievement comes after the team's successful entry into the knockout stage, a first for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts.
A Groundbreaking Victory for Canada
Canada's 1-0 win over South Africa at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday is the nation's first-ever knockout stage win at a men's World Cup. Notably, Canada is the first host nation to win a knockout stage match in regulation time since Brazil in 2014 and the first Concacaf nation to achieve this as the host since Mexico in 1986.
Despite having only 45% possession in the first half, Canada had more than three times as many touches in their opponents' box as South Africa, with 17-5. The team applied 100 pressures in the attacking third against South Africa in the first half, the most of any team in the first half of a World Cup match since 2010.
Eustáquio's Winning Moment
Stephen Eustáquio emerged as the hero for Canada on Sunday, scoring the match-winner in the second minute of stoppage time with a strike from outside the box that South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was unable to save.
Eustáquio is the third active MLS player to score a goal in a knockout round match at the World Cup, joining Landon Donovan and Brian McBride. He is also the second player on record to create five or more chances from set-pieces in a knockout match at the men's World Cup, after Italy's Andrea Pirlo against Germany in 2006.
Praise from the Coach
Following the match, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch addressed his team, referring to them as 'Canadian heroes' after their historic win. Marsch expressed his pride in the team, stating, 'This sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are.'
With this win, Canada advances to the round of 16, where it will face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Morocco match, continuing its journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
