South Africa vs. Canada Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

Canada. AT. THE. DEATH!!!

Stephen Eustáquio scored in the second minute of second-half stoppage time and Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 in their first-ever knockout-round match at the World Cup.

The victory was just about what Jesse Marsch's group deserved after being the aggressors for the overwhelming majority of the 90 minutes. But there are always going to be nerves for a team entering new territory in what is only its third World Cup finals appearance

Until Eustáquio lashed his half-volley into the bottom left corner, coming after Alistair Johnson's initial ball into the box was headed only partially clear, it didn't look like Canada was going to have the class to decide this one in normal time.

That was even true after Alphonso Davies came on in the 75th minute, the Bayern Munich man having missed the group stage with a hamstring injury.

South Africa defended resolutely, but this was a side that reached its ceiling in the last 32. Bafana Bafana only scored twice all tournament, and one of those came via a fortuitously awarded penalty in their 1-1 draw against Czechia.

Canada, meanwhile, are probably done playing the favorite, as they'll face the winner of tomorrow's fixture between the Netherlands and Morocco. That will probably suit manager Jesse Marsch just fine -- his side excels when they can press and create transition opportunities, something that was harder to do against a South African side that didn't keep much of the ball.

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It's no easy task to play as a favorite in your first-ever World Cup knockout round match, and Canada have shown some roughness around the edges in that role. Even so, they may feel they should be in front after several set-piece chances.

The best by far arrived in the 44th minute. Aubrey Modiba cleared Moise Bombito's strong header from a corner kick off the line, and then Ronwen Williams saved the follow-up effort from Tajon Buchanan.

Earlier, Jonathan David volleyed wide from a corner in the 16th minute, and in the 22nd, Derek Cornelius reached Stephen Eustáquio's free-kick service but whiffed in his attempt to put a header on target.

Canada should be encouraged by their ability to turn the screw as the match progresses. They've also scored five of their eight goals this tournament after halftime, and at least once in each match so far.

South Africa has also scored both of its goals in this tournament in the second 45 minutes.

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