2026 World Cup: Canada edge South Africa, become first team to reach Round of 16
Co-hosts Canada became the first nation to book a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa in the opening Round of 32 fixture.
The encounter remained goalless for more than 90 minutes as both teams battled fiercely for a breakthrough. South Africa defended resolutely and looked set to force extra time, while Canada created the better chances but struggled to convert them.
The decisive moment finally arrived in second-half stoppage time when Stephen Eustáquio unleashed a superb strike from outside the penalty area to beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and send the Canadian supporters into celebration. The late winner secured Canada’s first-ever knockout-stage victory at a FIFA World Cup and continued their impressive run on home soil.
Canada’s reward is a place in the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Round of 32 clash between the Netherlands national football team and the Morocco national football team.
Despite the defeat, South Africa can take pride in reaching the knockout stage of the expanded 48-team tournament for the first time. Bafana Bafana produced a disciplined performance throughout the competition and pushed the hosts all the way before being undone by a moment of brilliance in stoppage time.
