ANALYSIS – The Stephen Eustáquio late goal has, for the first time ever, sent Canada to the Round of 16.
South Africa played very well defensively and showed why they were in the Round of 32 in a closely contested game.
The Stephen Eustáquio Goal Helps Canada Advance in the FIFA World Cup (Men’s)
The CANMNT Had Many Scoring Chances
This was probably the biggest reason why Canada won the game. Their ability to get most of the scoring chances for both teams throughout the game was the reason why they won the game.
Some examples of this include:
- Derek Cornelius had a great chance to head the ball into the back of the net. This was thanks to a fantastic cross via a free-kick by Eustáquio, but Cornelius was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
- Promise David had a big scoring opportunity but barely missed the net.
- Tani Oluwaseyi had some great scoring opportunities.
READ MORE: Jacob Shaffelburg: The Maritime Messi
Jacob Shaffelburg’s cross was headed away by Ime Daniel Okon but went directly to Eustáquio’s feet. He then delivered an incredible shot past South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, putting it into the back of the net.
Moïse Bombito and Alphonso Davies Both Played Well
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this was Moïse Bombito’s and Alphonso Davies’ first game at a World Cup (and the first-ever World Cup appearance for Bombito).
- Bombito looked sharp and made some great defensive plays.
- Davies was able to change the game for Canada as he came in the 81st minute and changed the possession of the ball in Canada’s favour in the second half. This played a part in Canada scoring a goal.
CANMNT head coach Jesse Marsch talked about Bombito and Davies and their impact on the game on Sunday. First, he talked about the Football Roundtable on June 28, 2026:
“Moïse, you can see, is really close to himself, but not quite at 100% yet,” Marsch said. “But his performance for me in the first half was outstanding.”
Then he talked about Davies:
For both Bombito and Davies, who had to watch the team from the sidelines, it is a credit to them for how well they played. In fact, when Bombito was taken off the game, he was probably, at that time, the best player on the team. What a way to open their FIFA World Cup campaign!
South Africa Played Well Defensively
The reason why this game was so close was because of South Africa’s defence. In fact, there were two occasions where they prevented a goal from being scored by the Canadian men’s national team:
- Oswin Appollis made a goal-saving play as he cleared the ball before Jonathan David could get to it after Tani Oluwaseyi’s shot was stopped by South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
- Aubrey Modiba made a goal-saving play, as he cleared Tani Oluwaseyi’s shot that was heading for the back of the net.
These were just the two most notable plays, as South Africa tried their very best to keep the game scoreless.
The goalkeeper, Williams, also made some brave plays, closing in on shooters and making big-time saves. Unfortunately for South Africa, their inability to create opportunities on the other side of the ball, with Canada’s defence playing a role, was a major reason they lost.
Other Factors: Bench for the CANMNT Stepped Up
Shaffelburg and Davies, where their athleticism and speed late in the game played a role in Canada getting that important win at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium).
This is what Marsch said about the win, according to SABC Sport:
“Steph is one of the people in the team that I think is the most reliable and understands what we’re trying to achieve as a group,” Marsch said. “We talk a lot about having calmness. It was good to see him in that moment just thinking about how to strike the ball in a way to give it the best chance to go in.”
Eustáquio has this level of composure and maturity that is very much needed with the national team. He is definitely worthy of being Canada’s vice-captain, and it will be interesting to see how the team does in the Round of 32.
Games Coming Up and Wrapping The Tournament for South Africa
For South Africa, this tournament can be seen as a success. This is only their fourth FIFA World Cup (Men’s) appearance, and the first appearance since 2010. Their win against South Korea will be seen as the highlight and as one of the most memorable moments in South African soccer history.
Canada will now play (Netherlands or Morocco) at Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium). That game will take place on July 4 at 1:00 pm ET (12:00 pm CT or local time). It will be televised on TSN, RDS, and CTV.
Photo Credit: CANMNT Official X Account on June 28, 2026.
