Canada stuns South Africa on day one of the 2026 World Cup Round of 32

The World Cup 2026 moved to the knockout rounds on Sunday, with Canada and South Africa meeting in the first match. After soccer fans the world over were used to between four and six games a day, they got just one dramatic game to start the win-or-go-home portion of the tournament.

Canada was the runner-up in Group B, taking five points from a possible nine. They are one of the co-hosts of the North American tournament, but their second-place finish means they will not play any more games in Canada.

South Africa baffled everyone by taking second place in Group A. They lost the opening game of the World Cup to Mexico, drew in the final minute against the Czech Republic, and then, on the final day of Group A play, shocked the world by beating the Republic of Korea.

The two nations met in Los Angeles to start the Round of 32 action, and while the game may not be a classic, it will be one remembered by all of Canada and South Africa for different reasons.

General view as players walk out before the match

Lisi Niesner

World Cup Round of 32  - Canada vs South Africa

This game was the biggest match for every player on the pitch, and they knew it ahead of the game. There was an aura of angst in the air. As the national anthems played, Canada and South Africa players thought of how this game could be their magnum opus. Once the whistle blew to start the game, the quality we came to expect on the field declined.

Canada's Tajon Buchanan shoots at goal as South Africa's Ronwen Williams reacts

Matthew Childs

South Africa opened the game in their 4-2-3-1 formation, tasked with frustrating the pressing 4-4-2 Canada used. It was clear from the jump that South Africa was going to stay compact and try to get Canada to do something they don't like, having the majority of possession.

Canada had seven total shots in the first half, almost all of them were in the six-yard box, four of them were on target, and three were big chances that were all missed. South Africa had all four defenders in and around the goalkeeper, and captain Ronwen Williams, who had himself a great game, making five saves.

When South Africa stifled Canada's chances, Canada looked to counter but managed only three shots. All were long shots, and only one made its way to Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who made that lone save in the game.

On the stroke of halftime, Canada appealed that they should have a penalty kick before halftime, but the referee didn't call for a VAR review. Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch had to be restrained by his own players from going after the referee as the match went to halftime 0-0.

South Africa's Ronwen Williams reacts after conceding their first goal scored by Canada's Stephen Eustaquio

DANIEL COLE

South Africa weathered Canada's storm in the first half and came out in the second 45 minutes playing more with the ball. Unfortunately for Bafana Bafana,  they didn't create much from that. With 61% of the ball, they only produced three shots, none on target, and 0.08 expected goals.

This tactic played into Canada's wheelhouse as they were able to press, dispossess, and create counterattacks. As the game wore on, Canada brought on attacking quality in the form of super-sub Promise David and, for the first time at this tournament, star player Alphonso Davies.

When Davies came on, there was a real belief that Canada could go on and win the game, but it looked like it might have to go to extra time as the game reached the 90th minute still at 0-0. In the second minute of eight added minutes, Canada had the moment of quality the game had been shouting for.

A cross was poorly cleared by South Africa and fell at the foot of Stephen Eustaquio at the top of the box. He acted quickly, let the ball bounce once, and then rifled a shot on the half volley into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. It was a goal for all of North America, as the Canadians were able to see out the next six minutes to knock South Africa out.

Canada's Stephen Eustaquio celebrates scoring their first goal

Lisi Niesner

Canada's 1-0 win sees them move on to the Round of 16, where they will take on the winner of the Netherlands-Morocco clash. This was the first time Canada had ever played a knockout-round game, and they were able to get over the hump of a Cinderella story that is South Africa.

South Africa may have been knocked out, but their resolve gives them and their entire nation pride. It's also something to build on, as they now have to regroup over the next four years to prepare for the 2030 World Cup.

Day 2 of the Round of 32

Day two of the Round of 32 is next!  This will feel more familiar for World Cup fans as there is a trio of games to tune in to throughout the day. Brazil hopes to keep its deep-run hopes alive against dark horse Japan at 1 pm ET. Can minnow Paraguay take out shark Germany in the knockout rounds at 4:30 pm ET? Finally, the nightcap of heavyweights Netherlands and Morocco takes center stage at 9 pm ET!

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