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Eustáquio's Stoppage-Time Volley Sends Canada Into World Cup Last 16

The win highlights the expanded 48‑team format producing surprise qualifiers, with Canada set to face the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston.

Overview

  • Stephen Eustáquio struck in the 92nd minute Sunday to lift co-host Canada to a 1-0 victory over South Africa and into the World Cup round of 16.
  • South Africa were eliminated by the loss, concluding their tournament at the newly added round of 32 despite reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
  • The 2026 expansion reshaped outcomes by widening access and creating unexpected matchups, with 10 African teams qualifying and nine advancing to the round of 32.
  • Group-stage failures produced immediate coaching fallout: Scotland manager Steve Clarke announced his resignation and South Korea coach Hong Myung‑bo also stepped down after public criticism.
  • TalkSPORT reported US Soccer has offered coach Mauricio Pochettino a four-year extension, but the federation declined to comment and the report remains unconfirmed.