Stephen Eustáquio scored in stoppage time to give Canada a 1-0 victory over South Africa, sending them into the World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history. The dramatic win at Los Angeles Stadium sparked emotional celebrations, with coach Jesse Marsch praising his players as 'Canadian heroes' during a post-match huddle.
Match-winning moment
With 64 seconds of second-half stoppage time played, Eustáquio chested down a South Africa clearance on the edge of the box and struck a right-foot shot into the bottom corner. The goal ended a tense match where South Africa seemed content to play for extra time, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams frequently booed for time-wasting. South Africa's only shot on target came in the fifth minute from Teboho Mokoena.
Emotional victory speech
After the final whistle, Marsch gathered his players on the pitch and delivered an impassioned speech. 'You guys are Canadian heroes today, Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport,' he said, wagging his finger at different squad members before cheers and applause erupted. Marsch also kissed the Canada crest on his shirt and embraced Ismaël Koné, who joined the celebrations on crutches after surgery on a broken leg.
Personal significance for Eustáquio
Marsch dedicated the win to Eustáquio, who lost his mother Esmeralda to brain cancer in 2023 and his father Armando to a heart attack a year later. 'I think from somewhere his parents are looking down,' Marsch said. 'I couldn't think of a more deserving human being.' Eustáquio had deputised as captain until Alphonso Davies entered in the 75th minute for his first appearance of the tournament.
Marsch's connection to Canada
Marsch, an American who sang every word of 'O Canada' before kick-off, reflected on his affinity for the country. 'They value kindness, generosity and it's a country that is very welcoming to outsiders. They appreciate you for the things you do, more than the things you say,' he said. Responding to critics of his passionate style, he added: 'People like to say it's performative and, frankly, I don't give a shit what people have to say.'
Davies return and next match
Davies, who sustained a hamstring injury in March 2025 that kept him out for eight months, made his tournament debut as a substitute. Marsch compared managing the Bayern Munich full-back to driving a Ferrari. Canada will face the winner of Morocco vs Netherlands in Houston on Friday. 'The guys knew this was a massive opportunity and wanted to seize it. It took 92 minutes, but we got there,' Marsch said.
South Africa's future
South Africa coach Hugo Broos, 74, acknowledged the historic achievement of reaching the knockout stage but stopped short of confirming his future. 'It is my last World Cup, that is for sure. But what will happen in the next days and weeks also depends a little bit on how South Africa sees the future,' he said. 'Nobody expected, they only hoped that we would be in the second round. It would have been a little miracle if we made it to the third round.'
