In a thrilling encounter at SoFi Stadium, Canada edged past South Africa with a narrow 1-0 victory in their first knockout match of the World Cup. The match, which took place on June 28, 2026, was tense and appeared destined for extra time until Stephen Eustáquio found the net in the dying moments of the game, scoring in the second minute of stoppage time.

This victory is significant for Canada, as it not only represents their first win in the knockout stages of a men's World Cup but also marks their first goal in such a critical phase of the tournament. The match was characterized by a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities until Eustáquio's dramatic late strike.

Following the match, head coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players on the field, expressing his pride and excitement. He referred to them as 'Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport,' highlighting the importance of this victory not just for the team but for the future of soccer in Canada.

Marsch's emotional address underscored the significance of the win, suggesting that it could inspire a new generation of soccer players in Canada. The victory is seen as a pivotal moment for Canadian soccer, which has historically not been the main focus of the country's sports culture.