Canada end South Africa's World Cup run with late winner

South Africa's historic World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak as co-hosts Canada snatched a 1-0 win with a stoppage-time goal in the Round of 32.

The decisive moment came in the second minute of second-half stoppage time at SoFi Stadium, when Stephen Eustáquio struck a stunning volley from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner of Ronwen Williams' net. The goal settled a tight contest that had been goalless at the break.

The result was a milestone for Canada, delivering their first knockout-match victory at a World Cup and a place in the round of 16 for the first time. Canada advanced to face the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco tie in Houston.

For South Africa, the defeat closed a tournament that had already made history. Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time after finishing as runners-up in their group, a breakthrough for a side that had not previously progressed beyond the group phase.

Despite the loss, South Africa's run will be remembered as a step forward for the country's football, achieved at a tournament that has seen several African teams reach the knockout rounds. The narrow margin of defeat underlined how close Bafana Bafana came to extending their stay.