The first knockout match of the 2026 World Cup ended with a dramatic stoppage-time goal: Canada beat South Africa 1:0 and for the first time in their football history advanced to the round of 16. If you are looking for the 2026 World Cup match schedule in Kyiv time — all round-of-32 fixtures and kick-off times are gathered in a separate article.
Night results
South Africa — Canada 0:1 (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California)
The match kicked off at 22:00 Kyiv time and remained goalless for almost all 90 minutes. South Africa chose a compact defensive approach: Bafana Bafana rarely ventured forward and focused on neutralising their opponents' attacks. Canada dominated territorially but repeatedly ran into the brilliant goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and a resolute defence. Moise Bombito should have scored before the break — his header from the goal line was cleared by Aubrey Modiba, and Williams saved Tajon Buchanan's follow-up. In the second half, Tani Oluwaseyi found himself one-on-one, but Williams was equal to it again, while Mbekezeli Mbokassi heroically cleared Jonathan David's effort from an open goal.
In the 92nd minute, when the game seemed to be drifting towards extra time, a cross into the penalty area was not cleared by the South African defenders — and Steven Eustaquio brought the ball down on his chest before firing a powerful half-volley into the far corner. The goal instantly became the most famous in Canadian football history. Captain Alphonso Davies, who had missed the entire group stage with a hamstring injury, came on as a substitute in the second half and immediately gave the team a lift. After the final whistle, coach Jesse Marsch addressed his players with the words: "You guys are Canadian heroes now."
Man of the match: Steven Eustaquio (Canada) — goal in the 90+2.
Significance of the result: Canada reach the round of 16 for the first time in their third appearance at a World Cup finals. For South Africa — elimination from the tournament at the first knockout hurdle.
Tournament standings
Canada competed in Group B, finishing second behind Switzerland. The victory over South Africa means the host nation continues their campaign in the round of 16. South Africa finished second in Group A (behind Mexico) but were eliminated at the first knockout stage. The full 2026 World Cup schedule in Kyiv time with group stage results is available in a separate article.
Off the pitch
- Davies returns. Alphonso Davies, Canada's captain, made his first appearance at this tournament after missing all three group-stage matches with a hamstring injury. His arrival on the pitch was a symbolic moment for Canadian fans.
- Controversial penalty moment. Before the break, Richie Laryea went down in the penalty area after contact with Khuliso Mudau — referee João Pinheiro waved play on, and the decision was upheld by VAR.
- First knockout match in history for both teams. Neither Canada nor South Africa had ever played in a World Cup knockout match before — this fixture was a debut in the elimination rounds for both sides.
Today, 29 June, the World Cup features three round-of-32 matches: Brazil — Japan at 20:00 Kyiv time (Houston), Germany — Paraguay at 23:30 Kyiv time (Foxboro), and Netherlands — Morocco — kick-off at 04:00 Kyiv time on 30 June (Monterrey). The detailed 2026 World Cup match schedule in Kyiv time is on a separate page.
Photo: Yahoo Sports Staff · Editorial (source)
