Stephen Eustáquio stood in the middle of the Los Angeles Stadium pitch, tears streaming down his face. He had just scored the goal that sent Canada into the last 16 of a men’s World Cup for the first time – a 1-0 victory over South Africa sealed in the second minute of stoppage time – but his mind was elsewhere. “Everything I do is for my family, for my parents, for my girlfriend, for my daughter,” he said, his voice cracking. “For my friends back home. For everyone.”
His mother died in 2023 after a battle with brain cancer; his father suffered a heart attack and died a year later. The 29-year-old midfielder had spent the game as Canada’s on-field captain until Alphonso Davies – making his first appearance of the tournament after entering in the 75th minute – took the armband. But it was Eustáquio who delivered the decisive moment: 64 seconds into added time, he chested a South Africa clearance on the edge of the box and lashed a right-footed shot into the net. “When I shot, I felt everyone shot with me,” he said. “They put a little bit of power on it and it went into the back of the net.”
“Stephen Eustáquio scores stoppage-time winner as Canada beat South Africa 1-0 to reach World Cup last 16 for first time.”
Canada’s players and staff huddled on the pitch, the only outsiders present the Spidercam and the host broadcaster’s cameras, as head coach Jesse Marsch delivered an impassioned speech. “You guys are Canadian heroes today, Canadian heroes for the future children of this country who play this sport,” he said, wagging his finger at different squad members. Marsch, an American from Wisconsin who was part of the US staff at the 2010 World Cup, had sung every word of O Canada before kick‑off. He kissed the crest on his grey zip‑top before embracing Ismaël Koné, who joined the celebrations on crutches after surgery on a broken leg.
“Look, I am American and I’m proud to be American,” Marsch said, “but I do think that the ideals and the characteristics of Canadian people fit me really well. They value kindness, generosity and it’s a country that is very welcoming to outsiders. Sometimes I know Americans get a certain rap for being arrogant, boisterous, for being outwardly vocal, and I know that in many ways that does describe me, or at least people love to describe me that way.” When asked about his post-match speech, he added: “People like to say it’s performative and, frankly, I don’t give a shit what people have to say.”
South Africa’s Thalente Mbatha covered his face with his shirt as Canada celebrated. The game had lacked real quality, but Marsch praised his side’s belief. “We knew the game would get a little wild sometimes because they like to play in open spaces,” he said. “We tried to make sure we kept our structure … Then it fell to Steph and I’m just hoping he puts it on frame and gives us a chance. He buries it.”
Canada will face either Morocco or the Netherlands in the last 16 in Houston on 4 July. Marsch plans to fly to Monterrey to watch Monday’s match between the two sides. Eustáquio, still emotional, reflected on the journey: “I think we worked a lot to get this victory. We really wanted to give this win to all of the Canadians. We just kept believing, kept pushing and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way.”