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CO-HOSTS Canada booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in the nation's history after Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic injury-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over South Africa in the Round of 32.
With extra time looming, Eustaquio fired home from outside the penalty area in the second minute of stoppage time to send the home supporters into celebration and make Canada the first team to advance to the last 16.
Canada had earlier come close to breaking the deadlock before half-time when Moise Bombito's effort was spectacularly cleared off the goal line by the South African defence, according to Reuters.
The narrow victory marks another milestone for Canadian football, with the co-hosts progressing beyond the knockout opening round to reach the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time.
Canada will next face the winner of the Round of 32 tie between Morocco and the Netherlands in Houston on Sunday as they continue their historic World Cup campaign. - June 29, 2026
