“We did history”: Canada stuns South Africa for first-ever World Cup knockout win

Neena Mae Rayos, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
June 29, 2026

(Photo Courtesy : FIFA | Instagram)

CALIFORNIA – Canada made history on Sunday by securing their first-ever knockout-round victory at the men’s FIFA World Cup, defeating South Africa 1-0.

South Africa dominated the opening 45, creating several dangerous chances only to be denied by defending and goalkeeping. Canada struggled to break through until the break, when they began to assert control. Eustaquio scored the decisive goal, sending the LA stadium into a frenzy.

“I feel very happy that I scored the goal, that I was able to help the team,” Eustaquio, named Player of the Match, said after the game. “But that shot, I felt that everybody in the team shot that ball with me. We are very good, we believed a lot in this game. We knew that if we were our best, we could win and we did history.”

This match marks a historic milestone for not just Canada but for South Africa as well, who reached the knockout stage for the first time ever, though they exit with their heads held high.

Canada now sets sights on Round 16, preparing to meet the winner of the Netherlands vs Morocco matchup. They will face off on July 4 in Houston.