Canada booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Africa 1-0 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner in their Round of 32 clash.
The closely contested encounter remained goalless for much of the game, with South Africa putting up a disciplined defensive performance to frustrate the Canadians.
Canada dominated possession and pressed for the breakthrough, while South Africa threatened on the counterattack and appeared on course to force the match into extra time.
Nathan Saliba was booked during the fiercely contested encounter as both sides battled for a place in the last 16.
Just when the game looked destined for an additional 30 minutes, Canada struck the decisive blow in the second minute of stoppage time.
Stephen Eustaquio scored in the 90+2nd minute to seal a hard-fought victory and send Canada into the next round.
The late winner capped Canada’s persistence in a match where clear-cut chances were at a premium.
South Africa exit the tournament with their heads held high after a resolute defensive display that came within moments of earning extra time.
Canada will now face the winners of the Round of 32 fixture between the Netherlands and Morocco for a place in the quarter-finals.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Round of 32 is being introduced at the FIFA World Cup for the first time following FIFA’s expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams.
The expanded format allows 32 nations to progress from the group stage into the knockout rounds in the race for the World Cup title.
Source: NAN
