Global Soccer Tournament: Canada Ousts South Africa with Slim Win

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Stephen Estaquio’s late strike led Canada to a 1-0 win over South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 fixture, and send the co-hosts to the round of 16 at the California stadium on Sunday.

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The midfielder finished from just outside the area to send Canada to their first ever round of 16 appearance in the country’s World Cup history.

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In the first round of 32 match, and the first-ever competitive meeting between both nations, South Africa had more possession but Canada were better in front of goal and were only thwarted by South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Willimans who made five saves to keep the Bafana Bafana in the match.

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After Hugo Broos’ South Africa threatened in the sixth minute, it was all Canada with the better opportunities in the fast-paced match, as Cyle Larin and Jonathan David were thwarted by Williams in the first half.

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Thapelo Maseko tested Maxime Crepeau early in the second half with a curling effort well saved, while Jacob Shaffelburg’s effort was again tipped away by Williams.

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The Bafana Bafana slowed down the pace of the game towards the end as they looked ahead to extra-time, but Canada pounced to win it in the second minute of added time when Estaquio was in the right place and time at the centre of the box to drill home a deflected cross that arrived on his path, finding the bottom corner for a winning goal that poured the Canada bench into the pitch while fans celebrated in the stands.

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Canada became the first CONCACAF team to win a knockout game in the World Cup since 2002, and they will face either Morocco or the Netherlands in the round of 16.

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