Canada's Historic Win: Eustaquio's Last-Minute Goal Secures FIFA World Cup Advancement

In a thrilling match, Stephen Eustaquio's last-minute goal led Canada to a historic victory over South Africa in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Eustaquio described the moment as a collective effort from the team, showcasing their determination and belief. Coach Jesse Marsch praised the players for their resilience, calling them 'Canadian heroes.' This victory marks Canada's first advancement to the last 16 in World Cup history. The team is set to face the winner of the Netherlands vs Morocco next. Read on to discover more about this unforgettable match and its implications for Canadian soccer.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 29, 2026, 04:37 IST

Eustaquio's Dramatic Goal Leads Canada to Victory

California [US], June 29: Stephen Eustaquio expressed that Canada "never lost faith and kept pushing" to achieve their thrilling late victory against South Africa, describing it as a collective and emotional team effort.

He remarked that his decisive goal felt like a shared experience, as if the entire squad had infused energy into the shot that found the back of the net.

Eustaquio's last-minute strike clinched a hard-fought win for co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, propelling them into the last 16 for the first time, during the match held in Los Angeles on Sunday.

"We just kept believing and pushing forward; I don’t think we could have envisioned it any other way," Eustaquio stated.

"It was an incredible goal. When I took the shot, I felt like everyone was shooting with me. Everyone contributed a bit of power, and it went into the net, so I’m really pleased with that."

In the 92nd minute, Eustaquio secured the victory for Canada with a goal from the edge of the box, capitalizing on a loose clearance from South Africa and driving the ball low into the bottom-left corner, out of reach of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Coach Jesse Marsch praised Eustaquio's performance and highlighted the team's mentality following their dramatic win over South Africa, noting that the crucial goal epitomized their determination and belief.

Marsch expressed his hope that Eustaquio would "take a shot on target" and was thrilled to see him score, emphasizing that the team's effort, character, and resilience made them "Canadian heroes." He conveyed immense pride in the players for their historic accomplishment.

"And then it falls to Steph, and I just hoped he’d take a shot, and he nailed it," Marsch remarked.

"The hard work from these players, their character – they are Canadian heroes. That’s what I told them at the end. They are now Canadian heroes. I’m so proud of them," he added.

Next, Marsch's team will compete against the winner of the Netherlands vs Morocco match at Houston Stadium.