Greatest Goal in Canada's Soccer History, From Stephen Eustaquio, Books First World Cup Round of 16 Spot
Stephen Eustáquio scored in stoppage time as Canada reached the men’s World Cup round of 16 for the first time.
- On Sunday, June 28, 2026, Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, securing the nation's first-ever FIFA World Cup round of 16 spot. Stephen Eustáquio scored the deciding goal in second-half stoppage time.
- Head coach Jesse Marsch, an American hired in 2024, has guided Canada to this breakthrough after leading the squad to the 2024 Copa América semifinals just six weeks into his tenure.
- Alphonso Davies made his tournament debut in the 75th minute as Canada's squad delivered under pressure. Marsch told his players afterward, "You guys are Canadian heroes," celebrating the team's first-ever knockout-stage victory.
- Canada will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the round of 16 on July 4 in Houston, continuing the nation's first-ever knockout-stage run at the tournament.
- This breakthrough marks significant progress since the men's 2022 World Cup appearance, when Canada remained winless and without a knockout-stage victory, reflecting the program's evolution over four years.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Canada is the first team in the eighth final of the 2026 World Cup. After winning South Africa, national coach Jesse Marsch addressed emotional words to his players.
Symbolically, in Los Angeles, the winning goal was scored by Stephen Eustáquio, a player for Los Angeles FC. Morocco or the Netherlands will suffer.
Who Is Stephen Eustaquio? The Midfielder Who Sent Co-Host Canada Through To The World Cup Last 16
Ninety-one minutes of nothing. Then the ball dropped to him on the edge of the box, and Stephen Eustaquio sent Canada into the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.
World Cup: Canada tops South Africa 1-0 to open KO stage
INGLEWOOD, California — Right after Canada finished its first knockout match victory in a World Cup, coach Jesse Marsch huddled his players on the grass of a stadium still in pandemonium and spoke from his heart — shouted, actually. “You guys are Canadian heroes today!” Marsch declared. “Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport. The sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you a…
Canada's national team qualified on Sunday night in the World Cup's best after having scored 1-0 for South Africa's national team in the 16th of the competition.
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