Eustáquio Takes Canada to the Round of 16 of the World Cup, Enters the History List
June 30, 2026 · Global
Stephen Eustáquio scored the goal that sent Canada through to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, becoming one of the few players to score in stoppage time to seal the win. Canada made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
Stephen Eustáquio managed to create a historic moment on Sunday night by scoring the decisive goal that sent Canada through to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. With this goal, he not only eliminated South Africa, but also spread his wings into the list of legendary players.
For Canada, this is the best achievement in their World Cup history, as this is the first time they have made it to the knockout phase. Eustáquio's goal in stoppage time was not only the winner, but also Canada's first goal in a knockout match at the World Cup.
After this win, Canada will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the next round. Eustáquio is one of only four players ever to score in stoppage time in the second half to take his team through to the next round. He followed in the footsteps of Edgar Davids, who in 1998 scored an important goal for the Netherlands against Yugoslavia. Francesco Totti also did it for Italy in 2006 against Australia, while Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored a crucial goal for the Netherlands against Mexico in 2014. Most recently, Nacer Chadli scored the winning goal for Belgium against Japan in 2018. Now, Eustáquio has taken over that status with this incredible feat.