[2026 World Cup] "Son Heung-min's LAFC Teammate" Eustáquio's Winning Goal Sends Canada to Round of 16

Canada Secures 1-0 Victory Over South Africa

Stefan Eustáquio, teammate of Son Heung-min at Los Angeles (LA) FC, led Canada to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup North, Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF) tournament.

On June 29 (Korean time), Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup North, Central America and Caribbean, held at LA Stadium in California, USA. The victory came thanks to Eustáquio's dramatic winning goal in stoppage time of the second half.

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Canada advanced to the Round of 32 by finishing second in Group B with one win, one draw, and one loss (4 points) in the group stage. South Africa also advanced to the knockout stage as the second-place team in Group A, recording one win, one draw, and one loss (4 points). Up until this tournament, Canada had qualified for the World Cup finals three times and South Africa four times, but this was the first time either team had reached the knockout stage.

Perhaps due to the pressure of playing in their first-ever World Cup knockout match, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. However, Canada led the attack, outshooting South Africa 12 to 6.

Persistently attacking the South African goal, Canada finally broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the second half. Substitute Jacob Shaffelburg sent in a cross from South Africa's right side, and South African defender Sphephelo Sithole headed it away inside the box. However, the clearance did not travel far and fell to Eustáquio, who was positioned just outside the box. Eustáquio controlled the ball with his chest and fired a powerful right-footed shot, shaking the back of the South African net.

Canada will face the winner of the Round of 32 match between the Netherlands and Morocco at Houston Stadium in the United States at 2 a.m. on July 5.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.