Monday, 29 June
28 Jun
Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dream came to a painful end in stoppage time as Stephen Eustáquio struck in the 92nd minute to hand Canada a 1-0 victory and a place in the last 16 on Sunday.
It was a tense, evenly balanced Round of 32 clash at the Los Angeles Stadium, with both sides appearing in the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time. For long spells, it looked destined for extra time before Canada produced a late breakthrough.
The result sends the co-hosts through to face either the Netherlands or Morocco, while ending what had been a remarkable run for Bafana Bafana.
The meeting carried added historical context, with South Africa and Canada sharing long-standing diplomatic ties that extend well beyond football.
Canada played a notable role in supporting international efforts against apartheid and later contributed to South Africa’s transition into democracy and rebuilding period.
The last (and only) meeting, in football terms, between the two nations came in 2007, when South Africa claimed a 2-0 friendly win in Durban.
But in Los Angeles, 18 years later, Canada proved the stronger side over 90 minutes.
The opening stages were lively, with both teams trading early pressure in a stadium that had a near-concert-like atmosphere.
Thapelo Maseko and Mbekezeli Mbokazi produced important defensive interventions as Canada gradually increased the tempo.
While Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba were occasionally stretched, Bafana’s wide players tracked back well to ease pressure.
The closing stages of the first half brought the game’s most nervy spell, as Modiba cleared Moïse Bombito’s header off the line before Ronwen Williams produced a sharp save to deny Tajon Buchanan on the rebound.
Shortly before the interval, Khuliso Mudau’s challenge on Jonathan David sparked penalty appeals, but a swift VAR review ruled in Bafana’s favour.
Relebohile Mofokeng struggled to impose himself as Canada’s physicality grew, leading to the introduction of Thalenthe Mbatha at the break.
Oswin Appollis tested the goalkeeper from distance, while Williams came to Bafana’s rescue again with a crucial stop from Tani Oluwaseyi, with Mbokazi making a vital recovery clearance moments later.
The jeers from the Canadian crowd grew louder as South Africa slowed the tempo in possession, attempting to manage the game as the clock ticked down.
Midway through the second half, Canada threatened again through substitute Niko Sigur, but Mbokazi produced another decisive intervention to keep the score level.
Alphonso Davies was introduced to a huge roar in the 75th minute and immediately influenced proceedings, linking up with Jonathan David on multiple occasions, though Ronwen Williams stood firm.
But in the second minute of stoppage time, Canada finally broke through. Jacob Shaffelburg delivered a dangerous cross, which was only partially cleared to Eustáquio.
The midfielder controlled the ball and lashed a first-time strike into the bottom corner to seal a dramatic victory.
Canada’s players and bench erupted in celebration as Bafana were left heartbroken at the final whistle, their World Cup dream ended in the cruellest fashion, but they can leave North America knowing that they broke a barrier.
And that is something to hold on to, cherish, and, most importantly, build on.
28 June 23:42
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28 June 23:07
Captain Stephen Eustaquio scored the only goal of the game in injury time as co-hosts Canada beat South Africa 1-0 on Sunday to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
The two teams were appearing in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time, and a tight last-32 contest at the SoFi Stadium was heading for extra time until Eustaquio fired home in the 92nd minute.
Canada will play either the Netherlands or Morocco in the last 16
28 June 23:05
Gallo Images
28 June 23:04
Canada have struck at the death, taking the lead in the opening minute of five added on at the end of the second half. Stephen Eustáquio produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a stunning strike that leaves Bafana Bafana stunned. It is a hammer blow at the worst possible time for Hugo Broos’ side, who had been forced deep for much of the half. Broos’ decision to adopt a more defensive approach, reflected in his selection, is now likely to come under scrutiny as Bafana are left chasing the game with little time remaining.
28 June 22:51
75′ There have been consistent boos directed at Ronwen Williams as he takes his time on the ball, whether in passing or clearing under pressure. Bafana Bafana are currently on the back foot, with Canada looking the more likely side to find a breakthrough. Still, the game remains finely poised and very much there to be taken. Despite seeing less of the ball, Bafana remain a threat in transition and will feel one moment could yet shift the balance.
28 Jun
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