The knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup has officially begun, marking the most uncompromising phase of the tournament. In the very first Round of 32 match, fans witnessed a true football drama where the fate of the ticket to the next round was decided in the final seconds of regular time.
Both teams were playing in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history, which added incredible tension to the match. The first half was dominated by the Canadians, but their attacks were thwarted by the captain and goalkeeper of the South African national team, Ronwen Williams, who turned into a real wall for the opponents.
Dramatic Finale and Historic Goal
After the break, the game evened out somewhat, but it was the Canadian team that was determined to decide the outcome of the match in regular time. When it seemed inevitable that the match would go into overtime, the "Maple Leafs" found their chance. In the 90+2nd minute, midfielder Stephen Eustáquio picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area and scored a precise low shot into the left corner of the goal — 0:1.
The depleted South African team simply did not have time to respond. Thanks to the single goal, the Canadian national team snatched victory and became the first team to advance to the Round of 16 of the tournament.
A New Record for Canadian Football
This victory was a real breakthrough for the national team. Prior to the current tournament, the "Maple Leafs" had suffered defeat in all World Cup matches they participated in (in 1986 and 2022). Now, they have not only successfully advanced from the group stage but also overcome the first round of the knockout phase, setting a new record in their history.
In the Round of 16, the Canadian team will face the winner of the Netherlands – Morocco match, promising even more exciting battles in the next stage of the championship.
