The Canadian team surpasses South Africa and awaits the result of the match between Morocco and the Netherlands.

The Canadian national team became the first to qualify for the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, after a dramatic victory over South Africa with a score of one goal to none, on Sunday evening, in the opening of the knockout stage competitions.

The Canadian team secured their passage with a last-minute goal scored by Stephen Eustáquio with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area in the second minute of stoppage time (90+2).

With this victory, the Canadian national team continues its historic adventure in its first participation in the direct knockout stages of the World Cup, while South Africa's dream of reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in its history has been shattered.

The Canadian team will face the winner of the anticipated match between the Moroccan and Dutch teams next Tuesday, knowing that the "Atlas Lions" finished the last edition in fourth place at the "Qatar 2022" World Cup.

The Canadian team qualified for the knockout stages after finishing second in Group B with four points, which they earned from a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a win against the Qatari team, and a loss to Switzerland.

On the other hand, the South African team reached the same stage after finishing the first group stage in second place with four points as well, following their loss to Mexico in the first round, then drawing with the Czech Republic, before achieving victory over Korea.