Canada advances to World Cup Round of 16 with stoppage-time winner
Stephen Eustáquio scored in the 90th minute to lift Canada past South Africa 1-0 in the first men's World Cup knockout match on Canadian soil.
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Canada has reached the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in the tournament's history, defeating South Africa 1-0 in a stoppage-time thriller on Sunday, June 28.
Stephen Eustáquio scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, lifting Canada to the biggest victory in the program's history. In his post-match interview, Eustáquio fought back tears as he dedicated the win to his late parents, Esmeralda and Armando, who passed away in 2023 and 2024 after brain cancer and a heart attack.
"Everything I do is for my family, for my parents, for my girlfriend, for my daughter, for my brother, for my friends back home, for all of you," Eustáquio told reporters. "We really wanted to give this win to all the Canadians, and we just kept believing, we kept pushing."
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch praised Eustáquio's composure and character. "Maybe Steph is the most deserving to have a moment like that," Marsch said. "I think from somewhere his parents are looking down, and they saw that."
Canada will face the winner of Monday's Netherlands-Morocco match in the Round of 16. The Canadian squad is set to play Saturday, July 4, with kickoff at 1 p.m. EDT from Houston.
