Stephen Eustaquio turned South Africa Canada live score tension into a Canadian breakthrough, striking in the second minute of stoppage time for a 1-0 World Cup Round of 32 win at SoFi Stadium.
Canada survives South Africa control
South Africa had more of the ball, but Canada had more of the danger. The home side finished with 58% possession and a 456-297 edge in passing volume, yet managed only 6 shots and 1 on target.
The first half matched that contradiction. Teboho Mokoena forced Maxime Crepeau into the first save in the 6th minute, but Canada grew sharper from set pieces, with Derek Cornelius wasting a free header in the 22nd minute.
The biggest warning arrived on 45 minutes, when Canada produced three efforts from one corner sequence through Bombito, Cornelius and Buchanan. Ronwen Williams and Modiba kept South Africa level, before Richie Laryea went down in the area in stoppage time and referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro waved play on.
Sigur lifts Canada before Davies changes tempo
The second half began with the same slow rhythm until Jesse Marsch changed the game in the 59th minute, sending on Niko Sigur and De Fougerolles for Saliba and Bombito. Sigur soon split South Africa open, releasing Oluwaseyi in the 65th minute, only for Williams to save again.
South Africa’s best response came through Appolis, who twice threatened from distance, including a late effort in the 85th minute that Crepeau kept out. Alphonso Davies, back after missing the group phase through injury, entered in the 75th minute and immediately added directness, testing Williams four minutes later.
Eustaquio decides Canada breakthrough
Canada’s pressure finally counted when a long move broke to Stephen Eustaquio on the edge of the penalty area in the 90+2 minute. His placed finish gave Canada the only goal after a match in which they produced 12 shots, 7 on target and 4 corners to South Africa’s 1.
The result separates two teams listed level before kickoff at rank 2 on 4 points, each with 1W 1D 1L. Canada move into the Round of 16, where they await the winner of Netherlands vs Morocco on 04/07/2026.
Match Information
Competition: World Cup, Round of 32. Date & Time: Sunday 28 June 2026, 21:00 CET. Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood. Referee: Joao Pedro Pinheiro, Portugal.
