South Africa suffer late World Cup heartbreak as Canada reach last 16

South Africa were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the most painful fashion after Stephen Eustaquio scored in the 92nd minute to give Canada a 1-0 victory at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The match appeared destined for extra time after Bafana Bafana had frustrated the hosts throughout, but Eustaquio struck in stoppage time to send Canada through to the last 16 and end South Africa’s historic campaign at the Round of 32 stage.

South Africa had reached the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time in the competition’s history after progressing from the group stage. Their players will now return home, while Canada will face the winner of the Round of 32 tie between the Netherlands and Morocco.

The result also made Canada the first World Cup host to play a match outside their own country. Their victory came in Los Angeles, at the SoFi Stadium.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos restored Teboho Mokoena to the starting line-up after the central midfielder had completed his suspension in the final group match against South Korea. He replaced Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha.

Canada manager Jesse Marsch also made several changes following his side’s 2-1 defeat by Switzerland in their final Group B fixture. Moise Bombito returned in central defence, while Hull City midfielder Liam Millar, Eustaquio and forward Tani Oluwaseyi were brought into the team.

Canada captain Alphonso Davies was again named among the substitutes, despite Marsch having suggested he was ready to start against South Africa. The Bayern Munich left-back eventually came on during the second half.

Broos set his team up to attack, but Canada created the greater danger during the opening period, particularly from set-pieces. South Africa’s best opportunity came midway through the half when Mokoena tested goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau with one of his trademark efforts from distance. Crepeau kept it out.

South Africa survived a major scare shortly before the interval. Bombito’s header appeared to be heading for the net, but Aubrey Modiba cleared the ball off the line. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams then made a save as Canada continued to threaten during the resulting scramble.

The sides went into half-time level at 0-0. South Africa centre-back Ime Okon had enjoyed more touches than any other Bafana Bafana player during the first half.

Broos made a cautious change at the interval, withdrawing Relebohile Mofokeng and sending on Mbatha as South Africa sought greater control in midfield.

Canada came close to breaking the deadlock in the 65th minute when Williams denied Oluwaseyi in a one-on-one situation. Mbekezeli Mbokazi then cleared the rebound as Juventus striker Jonathan David attempted to finish.

Mbatha sent a shot over the crossbar, before Canada substitute Promise David went close with an effort that drifted wide in the 76th minute.

South Africa had one final opportunity to win the match in normal time, but Crepeau saved a powerful shot from Appollis with six minutes remaining.

Just as extra time seemed inevitable, Eustaquio delivered the decisive moment in the 92nd minute. His late goal ended South Africa’s best-ever World Cup run and secured Canada’s place in the last 16.

The defeat came after Broos had discussed the possibility of South Africa reaching the knockout stages, with the prospects described in a related story as requiring a “miracle”.