Canada secured a narrow 1-0 victory over South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 for the first time in their history at California stadium

Canadian players delivered a disciplined performance to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 fixture at the California stadium on Sunday, 28 June 2026.

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The win propelled the co-hosts into the round of 16 for the first time in Canada’s World Cup history and represented the first CONCACAF knockout-stage success since 2002.

In the maiden competitive encounter between the two nations, South Africa controlled more possession but found Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and a solid defence difficult to break down.

Ronwen Williams produced five excellent saves for Bafana Bafana to keep the score level for much of the match.

Canada created the clearer opportunities, with Cyle Larin and Jonathan David testing Williams in the first half. Jacob Shaffelburg also came close after the break as the North Americans looked the more threatening side.

As South Africa appeared to prepare for extra time by slowing the tempo, Canada struck decisively in the second minute of added time.

A deflected cross fell perfectly for a Canadian midfielder, who drilled the ball into the bottom corner from the centre of the box, triggering jubilant scenes on the bench and in the stands.

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The victory sets up a round of 16 meeting with either Morocco or the Netherlands and marks a proud milestone for Canadian football.