FIFA World Cup 2026: Canada Makes History! South Africa were eliminated by winning the first knockout match

• History made by Canada
• South Africa were knocked out by winning the knockout match
• Both the teams fought hard

Host Canada created history in the first match of the knockout round of FIFA World Cup 2026. Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 in this tight ‘Round of 32’ match played at the Los Angeles Stadium. The defeat ended South Africa’s journey in the tournament. With this thrilling victory, the Canadian team qualified for the ‘Round of 16’ of the FIFA World Cup for the first time. The match was historic for both countries, as neither Canada nor South Africa had previously played a World Cup knockout round match.

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Both the teams fought hard

South Africa made the first move of the match in a pressure game in the knockout rounds, but Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepue made a brilliant save to dash their hopes. The Canadian team then launched a series of attacks from the wings. Canada had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 43rd minute of the first half, when Tajon Buchanan pounced on Moise Bombito’s rebound. But South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a brilliant save to keep the score at 0-0.

The second half was also tight. South Africa’s Oswin Apolis had some good efforts, but failed to break through the Canadian defence. Then, in the 74th minute, Canada’s star player, Alphonso Davies, made his first appearance in the tournament after recovering from injury. Davies’ speed got into the Canadian forward line and increased the pressure on the South African defence.

Stefan Eustaquio scored a historic goal

Just when the match looked like it would go to extra time, Canadian midfielder Stefan Eustaquio made history. In the 92nd minute (in extra time), Eustaquio shot the ball straight into the goal post with an accurate and powerful shot. Williams, the South African goalkeeper, had no chance to block the shot. This goal won the match for Canada. With this, Canada became the first host nation to win a knockout match in regulation time since Brazil in 2014. With this historic victory, Canada will now face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16 on July 4 in Houston.

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