Canada became the first team to reach the last-16 at the 2026 World Cup after defeating South Africa 1-0 in their round of 32 contest in Los Angeles.
Jesse Marsch’s side were the more proactive in a lacklustre encounter as Bafana Bafana attempted to nullify the attacking threat of the Canadians with composed possession and a compact shape.
It worked for over 90 minutes as Canada were restricted to shots from range and opportunities from set pieces. The only moment of note in the first half saw South Africa defender Aubrey Modiba clear a headed effort off the goalline but there was otherwise a severe lack of quality from both teams.
That was until the 92nd minute when Stephen Eustaquio latched onto a rebound and rattled a low effort into the far bottom corner. That was a just reward for Canada sticking to their gameplan and it sends Marsch’s men into the next round.
Relive the action from the World Cup last-32 with our live blog below:
South Africa v Canada live
- REPORT: Canada snatch last-gasp World Cup winner to break South Africa hearts in tepid knockout start
- South Africa beaten 1-0 by Canada in the first game of the round of 32
- 90+2 GOAL! Eustaquio strikes late on [RSA 0-1 CAN]
- 42' OFF THE LINE! Modiba denies Canada with clearance [RSA 0-0 CAN]
- Co-hosts Canada progress to last-16 and will face Netherlands or Morocco
Canada's belief
22:32 , Mike Jones
"It started when we came out of the group stage. I think when it comes to the knockouts of the World Cup, the belief brings a big part to it,” continued Eustaquio.
“Now, we're going to get Morocco or the Netherlands and who knows, on a good day we can make things happen.
“Probably the quality is not going to be there, but if we keep believing and keep working, things might go our way."
Reaction from Canada's matchwinner
22:28 , Mike Jones
Stephen Eustaquio won the game for Canada and spoke in the aftermath.
He said: “I think we worked a lot to get this victory. We really wanted to give this win to all of the Canadians.
“We just kept believing, kept pushing and I couldn't have imagined it any other way. I think it was an amazing goal but when I shot, I felt everyone shot with me.
“They put a little bit of power on it and it went into the back of the net. So I am very happy."
Canada snatch last-gasp World Cup winner to break South Africa hearts in tepid knockout start
22:27 , Kieran Jackson at Los Angeles Stadium
When Canada’s concluding moment does eventually arrive this summer, Stephen Eustaquio would be forgiven for not wanting to leave the bright sunshine of California. The Canadian midfielder, contracted to Porto, joined Los Angeles FC in February on a four-month loan deal, desperately hunting minutes on the pitch ahead of the World Cup.
Now, the 29-year-old is the match-winner in his new home away from home, sending his country through to the last-16 with a dramatic stoppage-time strike.
Canada snatch last-gasp World Cup winner to break South Africa hearts
Marsch's words
22:24 , Mike Jones
Here’s what Jesse Marsch said to his team at the end of the game.
"Guys. Think about the two years we've been together. Think about how we talked about sticking to the plan, sticking to who we want to be, playing aggressive, accessing the quality, you guys showing your character.
"You guys are Canadian heroes. Canadian heroes. Canadian heroes for the future children of this country, who play this sport. This sport has a big future because of you guys.
“You should be so proud of who you are. You should be so proud of this game. You went after it, moment after moment. You are Canadian heroes."
Canada nicked it
22:20 , Mike Jones
Former Leeds striker and ITV commentator, Lucy Ward, summed up the match.
“This game has been crying out for that one piece of quality,” she said.
“One moment, one strike, one finish. It wasn't cleared by South Africa.
“It has not been a game of chances but Canada have nicked it at the end.”
Who's next?
22:16 , Mike Jones
Canada are the first team through to the last-16 and will take on the winners of Morocco v the Netherlands.
That fixture is scheduled for Tuesday 30 June at 2am BST.
Regardless of who goes through from that tie, Canada’s next opponents will be their hardest test yet and they’ll need to up their game if they are to compete.
Canada go through to last-32
22:12 , Mike Jones
Canada more aggressive
22:09 , Mike Jones
Canada had 12 shots throughout that match with seven of those on target.
That is in comparison to six from South Africa and only one on target.
The Canadians had an xG of 1.32 while Bafana Bafana’s was 0.13.
The right team went through and it took a long time before the deadlock was broken.
Canadian heroes
22:04 , Mike Jones
“You guys are Canadian heroes. You should be so proud of who you are!”
Jesse Marsch has a fine message for his players after they reached the last-16 of the World Cup.
How far can they go?
Full-time!
21:57 , Mike Jones
90+7 mins: Canada have done it!
They were the more proactive side throughout the game and have earned their reward right at the death.
A 1-0 victory over South Africa sends them into the last-16. It’s a huge moment for the World Cup co-hosts who continue their campaign.
South Africa’s group stage heroics come to nought and they must head home.
South Africa 0-1 Canada
21:55 , Mike Jones
90+4 mins: There’s hardly any time left in the game. It’s been lacking in quality for the majority of it but Canada have struck late.
They’re heading into the last-16 unless South Africa pull off a miracle...
GOAL! South Africa 0-1 Canada (Stephen Eustaquio, 90+2')
21:53 , Mike Jones
Yes! We will!
What a finish this is from Stephen Eustaquio. The ball comes into the box from the right and is cleared only as far as the Canadian captain.
He chests the ball down and lets fly. It sails into the far bottom corner and the goal comes for the co-hosts!
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:51 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Five minutes off added time to play in Los Angeles.
Will we get a winner?
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:47 , Mike Jones
85 mins: Still nothing to separate these teams. A couple of shots from range, a couple of easy saves.
Neither going all out and neither sitting completely defensively.
Extra time continues to loom.
Alphonso Davies on for Canada
21:43 , Kieran Jackson
Davies has already made a difference, setting up two chances with accurate passes forward.
He’ll have 15 minutes - and perhaps 30 in extra-time - to be the difference-maker here.
And boy does this game need a spark!
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:42 , Mike Jones
80 mins: Canada have had 11 attempts at goal with Jonathan David taking the most recent one.
He’s denied at the near post and time is running out for the co-hosts to win this game.
As things stand we’re heading for extra-time.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:36 , Mike Jones
77 mins: Promise David is set up by Davies firing a pass forward.
David takes a touch and shoots but scuffs his effort just wide of goal!
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:36 , Mike Jones
74 mins: Well that’s me wrong. Davies is brought on by Marsch and has a touch over 15 minutes to change this match for Canada.
Can he do so?
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:31 , Mike Jones
70 mins: 20 minutes to play an no signs yet of Alphonso Davies for Canada.
He’s probably still not fit enough to feature as Jesse Marsch would have turned to him by now to open up this game.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:26 , Mike Jones
64 mins: Mbokazi keeps South Africa in the contest after a fine last ditch block to turn the ball behind!
Canada’s corner comes to nothing but this game may finally be starting to heat up.
What does a Mexican wave mean?
21:20 , Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles
The first sign of a boring game? A Mexican wave in the stands, of course.
Probably helped by the legions of Mexican fans, too.
Who will blink - or take a gamble - first here?
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:16 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Watching the game there’s an argument to be made that Canada are the more proactive side but for me South Africa are the ones in control.
They release Maseko out on the right wing after beating the press. Maseko weaves into the area but runs into traffic and the attack dies down without a shot.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:11 , Mike Jones
51 mins: A long throw in sends the ball into the box for Canada and Cornelius wins the header.
He flicks it on into the middle of the area but there are none of his teammates available to get on the end of the second ball.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:09 , Mike Jones
48 mins: South Africa made a change at the break with Relebohile Mofokeng making way for Thalente Mbatha.
Canada are really finding it tricky to get any rhythm in this match. South Africa have nullified them brilliantly.
Second half! South Africa 0-0 Canada
21:06 , Mike Jones
South Africa get the ball rolling once more. This match may be decided by the subs bench or perhaps by whichever team wants it more.
Let’s find out who that is...
HT South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:55 , Mike Jones
All-square in LA
20:53 , Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles
An uneventful half... until the final few minutes.
Canada will be irritated they’re not ahead. Two desperate clearances off the line on the stoke of half-time and then a penalty appeal turned down.
For what it’s worth, I think it was the right decision from the Portuguese official - Laryea put his leg in-between the defender. At the break, goalless.
Half-time! South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:49 , Mike Jones
45+3 mins: No goals in the first half of this last-32 tie.
That means it’s all to play for when the teams come back out.
Jesse Marsch isn’t happy at all and is stopped from speaking to the referee by defender Bombito.
Scenes.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:47 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Laryea sweeps into the box from the left and goes down.
He gets tangled up in the nearest defender and thinks he’s won a penalty. So do the crowd but after a VAR check the referee plays on.
South Africa may have gotten away with one there.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:45 , Mike Jones
42 mins: Canada’s next set piece is a corner, their third of the half.
It’s swung into the middle again and comes to Bombito. He heads it into the turf and fires it at goal.
Save! Modiba is on hand to boot the ball off the line but it comes to Buchanan who shoots and is denied by Williams!
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:41 , Mike Jones
39 mins: Canada win a free kick over to the right of the South Africa penalty area.
Eustaquio sets down the ball and lofts it into the box. The target looks to be Oluwaseyi who leaps and nods his effort over the crossbar!
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:37 , Mike Jones
36 mins: Oh hello!
Appollis receives the ball over on the left side and drives up the pitch. He runs into the box and lloks to take on Bombito only for the centre-back to lunge into a tackle and take the ball away.
It’s a great tackle and ends a promising attack from South Africa.
Bore draw so far
20:37 , Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles
Few audible jeers in the stadium as South Africa ponderously pass the ball between the centre-back and goalkeeper, with Canada refusing to press.
This. Is. Knockout. Football.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:33 , Mike Jones
33 mins: It’s all a bit cagey at the minute.
Canada seem to be a more forward thinking side with a desire to drive forward but South Africa are closing gaps and marking well.
There’s no way through for the co-hosts at the minute.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:30 , Mike Jones
30 mins: This match already has the feel of a one goal game.
Whoever scores first will be in the driving seat. Clear chances haven’t been forthcoming so if you can get in front it will be difficult for the other team to get back into it.
South Africa are booed again for taking their time in possession. Canada aren’t biting and hold their shape well.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:28 , Mike Jones
27 mins: Loud boos came from the supporters as the match stopped for a hydration break.
When it resumes the teams attempt to recover the momentum they’d had before the stoppage.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:23 , Mike Jones
23 mins: Chance?
A free kick from Canada is swung into the box and lands on the head of Cornelius.
The defender doesn’t get the best of touches on the ball and dinks it down into the hands of Williams.
That’s a big chance as the offside flag stays down. Will Canada regret it?
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:21 , Mike Jones
21 mins: There are plenty of neutrals inside the Los Angeles Stadium and a lot of them don’t appreciate South Africa’s patient build up.
It’s a lot of passing around the defence trying to draw Canada out of position.
There’s no joy from it yet.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:19 , Mike Jones
18 mins: South Africa haven’t quite gotten themselves into the game yet.
They’ve defended well, though a touch scrappily, but haven’t had a lengthy period of possession to test Canada.
They’ve got the ball now but are content to pass it around the back.
Canada building pressure
20:17 , Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles
The Canadians just getting a strong foothold in the last five minutes - a few genuine opening sniffed out by last-ditch South African defending.
South Africa very happy to go long from the back with, so far, mixed success.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:16 , Mike Jones
15 mins: Jonathan David brings the ball into the box and looks for enough space to release a shot.
Some last ditch defending takes the ball off him and South Africa ping it behind for a corner.
The corner drops to David again but he hooks a first time shot wide of the target.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:13 , Mike Jones
12 mins: Yaya Sithole is being well marked in the defensive midfield as he attempts to bring down an aerial pass.
He manages to get the ball across to Maseko but it rolls out of play for a throw in.
Canada fling the ball back in play and work it over to the right. It’s played across the edge of the ox and comes to Oluwaseyi who spins but can’t control the ball.
It runs away from him and Bafana Bafana clear their lines.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:10 , Mike Jones
9 mins: Nice!
Canada are starting to click. They’re quick and pacey as they sweep forward down the left.
Laryea receives the ball on the overlap from left-back and looks to cross where he wins a corner.
The set piece comes to nothing but it’s a sign of Canada’s confidence growing.
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:06 , Mike Jones
6 mins: A potentially nice move sees Buchanan bring the ball forward on the right wing before slipping it into the box as Johnston makes an underlapping run.
The right-back slips as he tries to control the ball which leaves Canada out of possession and their attack fades away.
At the other end of the pitch, South Africa find a bit of space which allows Mokoena to shoot from range. He strikes his effort well and forces Crepeau into a low save to his right!
South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:04 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Canada keep possession of the ball through the opening minutes but a loose pass gifts it back to their opponents.
South Africa look like breaking on the left through Appollis but he checks inside and sends the ball backwards.
Kick off! South Africa 0-0 Canada
20:00 , Mike Jones
Canada get the ball rolling in Los Angeles and work it over to the right side of the pitch.
They try to quickly head forward but lose possession.
South Africa v Canada
19:57 , Mike Jones
The players make their way out onto the pitch and the national anthems are sung.
The World Cup knockout rounds are about to begin. Who will go through?
Kick off is up next...
Mexico fans everywhere
19:48 , Kieran Jackson
While Mexico will play their next game at the Azteca, many of the Mexican population in LA would’ve been desperate for their side to finish second.
On the walk to the stadium, Mexican shirts by far and away outweighed any from Canada or South Africa. In fact, I also saw a lot of South Korean shirts - the side who somehow missed out to South Africa to take their place here today.
Should be an interesting one as the knockout-stage begins!
Canada's progress
19:42 , Mike Jones
Canada went through to the knockout stages with four points, the fewest by a home nation to qualify from the group stage at a World Cup since USA in 1994 (also 4).
The US lost in the first knockout round when they progressed. How will Canada fare?
A worrying sign?
19:36 , Mike Jones
Canada have also lost both of their competitive meetings with African nations.
They suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cameroon in the 2001 Confederations Cup before losing 2-1 to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Is that a worrying sign for Jesse Marsch’s men?
The inspiration behind South Africa’s incredible World Cup comeback as Bafana Bafana advance
19:30 , Jack Rathborn
History for South Africa and the most remarkable turnaround for Bafana Bafana to lock up a place in the knockout phase at a World Cup 2026 for the first time.
From the humiliation at the hands of hosts Mexico, including two red cards, to a dramatic late win on Wednesday thanks to Thapelo Maseko, to down South Korea 1-0 and leapfrog them into second.
The inspiration behind South Africa’s incredible World Cup comeback
Finding the target
19:24 , Mike Jones
Canada failed to score in their first four World Cup matches but have since found the net at least once in each of their last five games.
However, 60% of their goals at this tournament (6/10) came in their 6-0 win over nine-man Qatar.
Upping the ante
19:18 , Mike Jones
Canada had 21 shots on target in the group stages, almost double the amount they managed in their first two tournament appearances combined (6 in 1986, 5 in 2022).
Canada's main threat
19:12 , Mike Jones
Nathan Saliba has been involved in three goals in his two World Cup appearances for Canada so far (1 goal, 2 assists), having only managed two goals in his first 15 international games.
Taking his shot
19:06 , Mike Jones
South Africa’s second-place qualification was largely thanks to Thapelo Maseko, who scored the winner in a vital 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Despite playing only 159 of 270 possible minutes, he had more shots than any other South African player during the group stages (eight).
Canada make World Cup history despite Switzerland defeat
19:00 , Mike Jones
Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi saw Switzerland beat hosts Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to top Group B but the Canadians reached the knockout rounds for the very first time.
Why Canada defeat to Switzerland could have huge impact on World Cup hopes
South Africa v Canada line-ups
18:58 , Mike Jones
South Africa XI: Williams; Modiba, Mbokazi, Mudau, Okon; Mokoena, Sithole; Appollis, Mofokeng, Maseko, Makgopa
Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnston, Cornelius, Bombito, Laryea; Eustaquio, Millar, Saliba; David, Oluwaseyi, Buchanan
South Africa have the edge?
18:42 , Mike Jones
South Africa and Canada have only met once before and it was the African nation who came out on top.
Bafana Bafana triumphed 2-0 in an international friendly back in 2007.
Will they also win this match up tonight?
A remarkable qualification
18:36 , Mike Jones
Sitting 61st in the world, South Africa will be the joint third-lowest-ranked side to play in the knockout stages of the World Cup, behind Nigeria (74th in 1998) and Russia (70th in 2018), and level with Japan (61st in 2018).
A surprise result
18:30 , Mike Jones
South Africa were not expected to qualify as runners-up in Group A having beaten off South Korea and Czechia to finish behind Mexico.
In fact, South Africa had the fewest touches in the opposition box (35) and created the fewest big chances (2) of any side in their group.
Uncharted territory
18:24 , Mike Jones
Tonight’s match is uncharted territory for both South Africa and Canada given neither had ever made it out of the group stages of the World Cup.
It will be the first time two teams are facing each other in their first such match since the 2002 tournament.
Turkey beat hosts Japan 1-0 on that occasion. Will the co-hosts win this one tonight?
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
18:18 , Mike Jones
The 2026 World Cup is into the serious stuff after the group stage, as the knockout rounds begin with a first ever last-32.
The top two sides in each group qualified for knockouts along with the eight best third-place teams. Uruguay and Scotland were among the 16 nations eliminated, while tournament contenders including Spain, France, Argentina, Brazil, England and Germany all topped their groups.
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
I live for these moments
18:12 , Mike Jones
"When it comes to World Cup knockout stages and the fact that we haven't been there means that our team hasn't been in this situation before,” rationalised Canada manager Jesse Marsch.
“But we have been in similar situations... Alphonso has been in Champions League finals. We're going to experience difficulty in the match, we're going to experience success, we're going to have challenges and the key is that we're ready to rise to all those challenges.
“For me, when you do this for a living, I live for these moments."
It was hard to watch
18:06 , Mike Jones
Davies also spoke about what it was like to sit on the sidelines for the group stage.
"It was painful [not to play in the group stage]. The only thing you want to do is play football, it's what I'm really passionate about,” he said.
“The first game watching it, I was really eager to get on the pitch. The second game more so and the third game I went to [Jesse Marsch] before the game and asked him if I could play a couple of minutes. He could have said, 'Yes, we'll throw you in there.'
“But he cares about the team as human beings and explained that I had not gone through my progressions to get back on the pitch. It was hard to hear.... and watch those three games."
Davies to return for Canada
18:00 , Mike Jones
Arguably Canada’s best player, Alphonso Davies, has had to sit on the sidelines for the beginning of this World Cup.
He’s been recovering from injury and there was a plan to keep him out for the first three games.
Davies has seemingly recovered though and should feature at some point this evening.
Who has qualified for the knockout stages?
17:54 , Mike Jones
Group A: Mexico, South Africa
Group B: Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Group C: Brazil, Morocco
Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay
Group E: Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden
Group G: Belgium, Egypt
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde
Group I: France, Norway, Senegal
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria
Group K: Colombia, Portugal, DR Congo
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana
Co-hosts Canada seek to make more World Cup history
17:48 , Mike Jones
World Cup co-hosts Canada are hoping to write a new chapter in their history books when they travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa in the last 32.
Jesse Marsch’s men had hoped to be playing Canada’s first-ever World Cup knockout match at home in Vancouver, but that dream was dashed after they were defeated by Switzerland in their final group game, finishing runners-up in Group B.
It may finally be time for a first World Cup appearance from Canada’s captain, Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, who has been recovering from a hamstring issue and was on the bench as a “decoy”, according to his boss, for that loss to Switzerland.
Welcome to the real World Cup – the tournament begins now
17:42 , Miguel Delaney
Among a lot of the most celebrated World Cup 2026 squads, coaches have already sought to ensure the intensity of training has gone up. There’s a new edge that only knockout football, and especially World Cup knockout football, can bring.
The Dutch squad perhaps put it best ahead of the most fascinating last-32 tie of all, against Morocco.
Welcome to the real World Cup – the tournament begins now
South Africa v Canada predicted line-ups
17:36 , Mike Jones
Predicted South Africa XI: Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Masekom, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.
Predicted Canada XI: Crepau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius Laryeal Buchanan, Saliba, Choiniere, Ahmed; David, Larin.
Team news for South Africa
17:30 , Mike Jones
For South Africa, there’s a boost in the form of Teboho Mokoena’s return, after he served his one-game ban, but his midfield colleague Themba Zwane remains absent.
Canada's early team news
17:24 , Mike Jones
There’s good and bad news for Canada.
On a positive note, their star defender Alphonso Davies may be fit for his first minutes of the tournament, but on a negative note, Ismael Kone is out of action due to his fractured tibia, and Stephen Eustaquio and Alfie Jones are doubts.
Who will the winner face?
17:18 , Mike Jones
A tough test will await the winners, as they will take on either Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday 4 July.
How can I watch it?
17:12 , Mike Jones
In the UK, the game will air live on ITV1 and ITV X. In the US, it will air live on Fox Sports.
When is South Africa v Canada?
17:06 , Mike Jones
The fixture will take place at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday 28 June at 8pm BST (12pm PT / 2pm CT / 3pm ET).
South Africa v Canada
17:00 , Mike Jones
The first knockout game of the 2026 World Cup has arrived, as co-hosts Canada take on South Africa.
Canada emerged from Group B in second place, thrashing Qatar 6-0 in between a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a loss to Switzerland.
Next, Jesse Marsch’s men play South Africa, who finished as runners-up in Group A. In their opener, they lost to another co-host in Mexico, before a draw with Czech Republic and a crucial win over South Korea.
Canada’s defeat by Switzerland cost them the chance to play their round-of-32 game on home soil, so they will instead travel to Los Angeles for this clash with South Africa.
Good Afternoon!
16:45 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the World Cup.
We’re entering the first stage of the knockout rounds as co-hosts Canada take on South Africa in the last-32.
Both teams finished second in their respective groups and this match should be a close run affair which could go either way.
We’ll have all the updates, team news and line-ups from throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
