California: Co-hosts Canada created history on Monday by defeating South Africa 1-0 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup match at Los Angeles Stadium to qualify for the Round of 32 for the first time.
Before this tournament, Canada had lost all six of its previous FIFA World Cup matches.
Canada Become the First Co-Host to Qualify
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament began in Mexico on June 11, while the final will be played in the United States on July 19.
Although Canada had received less attention as the third co-host, it has now become the first of the three host nations to qualify for the Round of 32.
South Africa Eliminated
A total of 48 teams are participating in the tournament.
Sixteen teams have already been eliminated, and the knockout stage began on Monday. South Africa became the latest team to exit the competition.
For the entire 90 minutes, both teams remained locked at 0-0 as the defenders from both sides denied every attacking opportunity.
Eustaquio Scores in the 92nd Minute
The breakthrough came in the second minute of stoppage time (92nd minute), when Stephen Eustaquio fired a low shot from the edge of the penalty area into the net, sealing a dramatic 1-0 victory for Canada.
Jesse Marsch Proud of His Players
Canada is co-hosting the FIFA World Cup for the first time and has now reached the Round of 32 for the first time in its football history.
They will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the next round on Saturday.
After the match, head coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players and said:
“You have made Canada immensely proud. If Canadian football continues to grow in the coming years, the credit for starting that journey will always belong to you.”