Canadians Confirms Quality with 1-0 win over South Africa

Editor’s Note: FIFA World Cup 2026 is over, but we have to take the time to celebrate some of the success stories, especially the ones where CANADA was the protagonist…

Canada defeated South Africa in the round of 32 to advance to the round of 16 on Saturday, June 28th, 2026 with a late goal from Stephen Eustaquio in the 3rd min of added time. The Los Angeles FC midfielder latched on from a South African clearance at the edge of the box, sending the Los Angeles crowd into a frenzy.

Many storylines followed the Canadian camp, but the biggest questions for this game were whether star man Alphonso Davies would get any game time and how much time returning defender Moïse Bombito would get. The Bombito question was answered early as he started the game for only his second appearance in the tournament after the Lens men had logged 45 minutes against Qatar while continuing his return from injury

The game itself started without any side really asserting dominance despite South Africa having 58% possession compared to Canada’s 42%. Despite a clear strategy by South Africa to log balls over the top of the defence to attack Canada’s high line, they were only able to log 1 shot on goal all game compared to Canada’s 7. However, some bad decisions in the final third let Canada down, and it wasn’t until the 22nd minute till there was any real chance in the game when Derek Cornelius missed a gilt-edged header, blazing wide when he was completely unmarked in the box.

Late in the 1st half Bombito had a chance cleared off the line, and Tajon Buchanan’s shot also drew a great save from South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. There was also a strong shout for a penalty when Left Back Richie Laryea was through on goal, but South African defender Khuliso Mudau was deemed to have gotten a slight touch of the ball.

The 2nd half started off sloppily, and Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch seemed to seemingly respond by ringing in the changes, with Bombito giving way to Luc De Fougerolles and Nathan Saliba making room for Niko Sigur. Tani Oluwaseyi also had a solid effort at goal just before he was substituted in the 70th minute for Promise David, and Liam Millar also made room for Jacob Shaffelburg. It was Alphonso Davies that most had eyes on, and the Bayern Munich Man finally made his debut in the 75th minute to a rousing welcome to the largely Canadian crowd, and while he showed some attacking flair initially there were many loose passes that Canada can hopefully attest to lack of match fitness.

While the game looked to be heading for extra time, a cross on the right-hand side from Shaffelburg was headed out of the box by a South African player, but Eustaquio reacted smartly by controlling off his chest and then releasing a right-footed shot into the back of the net to wild celebrations.

Canada will definitely face a sterner test next Saturday as they take on Morocco in the round of 16 after the Northern Africans dispatched the Netherlands on penalty kicks after a 1-1 scoreline when regulation and extra time ended. The Moroccans reached the semi-finals in the last world cup and, after earning a draw against tournament favourites Brazil in their opening game, could really test Canada’s mettle as a footballing nation.

Post-game, divisive Canadian’s Men’s coach Jesse Marsch delivered a rousing speech on the field, confirming his players as heroes as not only are they the first Canadian team to gain a point and win a game, and also advance out of the group stage, but also to make it to the round of 16.

“You guys are Canadian heroes! Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport. This sport has a big future because of you guys.”

Canada will face Morocco on Sat 4th July at 1pm ET.