Canada vs South Africa World Cup result: Stephen Eustaquio’s late stunner fires Canada to historic last 16 World Cup

Canada secured a historic 1-0 victory over South Africa at SoFi Stadium when Stephen Eustaquio scored a stunning volley in the 92nd minute to secure its first ever World Cup knockout stage win.(AP Photo) A stunning 92nd-minute volley from midfielder Stephen Eustaquio propelled co-hosts Canada to a historic 1-0 victory over South Africa at SoFi Stadium on Sunday night, sealing the nation’s first-ever knockout win in World Cup history.In a tense, high-stakes battle that seemed destined for extra time, Eustaquio, who plays club soccer for Los Angeles FC, emerged as the hometown hero. In the second minute of stoppage time, Alistair Johnston’s long ball was cleared into the box directly into the path of the midfielder, who from outside the penalty area hit a first-time volley into the bottom corner of Ronwen Williams’ net.The dramatic goal sparked wild celebrations, and after Canada held on in the chaotic final minutes, emotional head coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players in a postgame huddle and proudly declared, “You are Canada’s heroes!” With this triumph, Canada advances to the Round of 16, where it will face either the Netherlands or Morocco on Saturday, July 4 in Houston.Canada played its three group games at home in Toronto and Vancouver, but was forced to play on the road after losing 2-1 to Switzerland. However, they remained massive crowd favorites in Los Angeles, supported by traveling supporters and local LAFC fans wearing Eustaquia jerseys.Canada dominated the scoring opportunities, but underdog South Africa, fresh off a historic 1-0 win against South Korea, fought back with determination. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made five crucial saves to keep Bafana Bafana level.The game changed completely in the 75th minute when Canadian superstar Alphonso Davies returned from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him during the group stage. Playing at the same stadium where he suffered a serious knee injury in March 2025, the Bayern Munich defender immediately sparked and opened up the South African defense to set up Promise David, who uncharacteristically fired wide.In the end, it was Eustaquio’s late brilliance that broke the South African resistance and kept Canada’s World Cup dream alive.