World Cup 2026: Eustaquio hero in stoppage time — historic adventure past South Africa to Canada; 4 key points

Canada moved past South Africa in the last 16 with a stoppage-time goal in a historic first round of 32 match at the Men's World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles. Playing in the series for the first time away from their home soil (US soil) despite being a co-host, Canada got the win in a crunch time. They will next face the winner of the Netherlands-Morocco match in Houston.

Here are 4 key tips:

1. 'Fancy' returns, but the day belongs to Eustace

Canada went ahead in the 75th minute when Alphonso Davies came on from injury. However, as the game looked set to go to extra-time, midfielder Stefan Eustacchio calmly finished in the 92nd minute. The team celebrated around him with total leadership. He chose Canada in 2019 and despite the pain of losing his parents in the past, he has made a great contribution to the team in today's important moment.

1. Start with caution and complete history

Both teams combined for just 11 touches inside the 'penalty box' in the first 30 minutes (FotMob data) — a struggle that emphasized defense. South Africa focused on strong blocking as Canada kept the ball under control and aggressively looked for 'set-piece' opportunities. Both teams had few clear-cut chances in the second half. The eventual victory, however, was history for Canada: their first knockout win at a men's World Cup. Also, Canada is the first team since Brazil 2014 to win a knockout in real time among the host nations. The last time Mexico won a knockout as a CONCACAF host nation was in 1986.

1. Delay in South Africa's tactical change

Coach Hugo Preus relied on quick counter-attacks leaving the ball to the opposition as an opening scheme. But for it to work, rare opportunities need to be completed clinically — and that hasn't happened. In the second half, even when they increased possession of the ball, the results did not come. Falling behind in stoppage time made it difficult to come back. South Africa are now 8 games without a win after conceding a goal first in a World Cup.

1. 20 years old Empokaji — pearl of protection

Chicago Fire center-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi (20) is one of the best young defenders in the series. Even today, he had a key save to keep Jonathan David's effort on the goal line. Despite the defeat, his light did not dim. There is also a European transfer buzz about this talent shining in MLS; He could also surprise Chicago's 'reportedly' new star teammate Robert Lewandowski.

Canada also had a penalty claim turned down in the first half; South Africa held on for dear life despite Canada's dominant display before the break. In the end, Canada made history; Heading into the next round, their confidence is now at an all-time high.

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