Canada just did something it has never done in the history of its men’s football program. On June 28, 2026, the co-host nation defeated South Africa 1-0 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, securing its first-ever knockout-stage victory at a FIFA World Cup and punching a ticket to the Round of 16.
The hero was Eustáquio, who found the net in the 90+2nd minute.
A historic night at SoFi Stadium
Canada has had its share of painful football moments. The men’s team qualified for the 1986 World Cup but went home without scoring a single goal. It took another 36 years just to get back to the tournament in 2022.
Now, in a newly expanded 48-team format, Canada is making the most of the opportunity.
