LOS ANGELES — Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair is headed to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 at Los Angeles Stadium on a stoppage-time winner from midfielder Stephen Eustáquio. St. Clair was available on the bench but did not feature in the match.
Eustáquio’s goal came in the second minute of stoppage time in dramatic fashion. A cross from defender Alistair Johnston was cleared by South Africa’s back line before Eustáquio chested down the ball and unleashed a right-footed hit from just outside the box, finding the bottom-left corner to send Canada into the knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history.
Canada dominated the shot count 14-6 despite holding just 42% possession against South Africa’s 58%. South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made five saves to keep his side in the match, while Canada’s Maxime Crépeau was called on for just one save — a long-range attempt from Teboho Mokoena in the sixth minute.
The Reds generated their best first-half chance in the 44th minute on a corner kick. A header from defender Moïse Bombito was cleared off the line by South Africa’s Aubrey Modiba, and a follow-up effort from Tajon Buchanan at close range was denied by Williams. Canada’s attack continued pressing in the second half when midfielder Liam Millar slipped a ball into the path of forward Tani Oluwaseyi in the 65th minute, but Williams saved the one-on-one opportunity.
Canada started Crépeau in goal behind a back four of Johnston, Bombito, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea. Nathan Saliba, Eustáquio, Buchanan and Millar formed the midfield, with Jonathan David and Oluwaseyi leading the attack. Canada committed 16 fouls to South Africa’s 10 and earned four corners to South Africa’s one.
Canada will face the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 4 at 1 p.m. ET at Houston Stadium.