Eustaquio's stoppage-time strike sends Canada into last-16 to shatter South Africa

Stephen Eustaquio struck in stoppage time to send Canada through to the World Cup last-16 with a 1-0 victory over South Africa at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, in a tense and largely subdued round-of-32 opener between two group-stage runners-up.

The Canadian midfielder, on loan at Los Angeles FC from Porto since February, controlled deftly on the edge of the penalty area before driving low and hard into the bottom corner with his right foot — a moment of composure that sparked jubilation among Canada’s travelling support and ended South Africa’s tournament.

For much of the match, Jesse Marsch’s side struggled to impose themselves in the stifling heat of the 70,000-capacity stadium. The game reflected the cautious nature of two teams more focused on avoiding defeat than chasing victory, and raised early questions about the expanded knockout format’s capacity to produce compelling football.

The contest shifted when Alphonso Davies, Canada’s captain and talisman, was introduced with 15 minutes remaining. Despite concerns over a hamstring complaint, the Bayern Munich left-back immediately injected pace, directness and ambition into Canada’s play — qualities that had been largely absent before his arrival.

Eustaquio’s contribution was all the more significant given the context surrounding the squad. Teammate Ismael Kone suffered a ghastly broken leg just ten days ago, and the 29-year-old from Ontario has shouldered an even greater burden in midfield since. On Sunday, he carried it all the way to the final whistle.

Afterward, Marsch gathered his players in a circle on the pitch as a Canadian flag was unfurled — a moment of collective relief as much as celebration. The co-hosts have bought themselves another week at their home World Cup, but the challenge ahead sharpens considerably: Canada face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday.