Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Co-hosts Canada have advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles early Monday morning.
The two teams played out a goalless first half and the match appeared to be heading into extra time before Stehpan Eustaquio scored in the second minute of stoppage time to secure Canada’s first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup.
In the 92nd minute of the match, the South African defence cleared Alistair Johnston’s long pass into the edge of the box. However, the ball fell to Eustaquio, who fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Both sides were chasing their first-ever knockout win in the tournament. Both Canada and South Africa had advanced to the knockout stage as runners-up in their respective groups, finishing with identical records. Each won one match, drew one, and lost one.
Canada created several chances throughout the match, but South African goalkeeper Williams kept his team in the contest with five saves before he was finally beaten in the dying moments.
Canada will now face the winner of the match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Houston on Saturday.
Brazil will take on Japan in the second knockout match in Houston at 10:45 pm on Monday, while Germany will meet Paraguay at 2:15 am on Tuesday.
