The Round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup made its debut on Sunday (29 June), where South Africa faced the co-hosts Canada. Les Rouges have advanced to the Round of 16 after beating Bafana Bafana by 1-0.
Key Match Stats of South Africa vs Canada (FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32)
Match Result: South Africa 0 – 1 Canada
Possession: South Africa 50% – 42% Canada (8% in Contest)
Shots (On Target): South Africa 6 (1) – 12 (7) Canada
Corners Won: South Africa 1 – 4 Canada
Free Kicks: South Africa 15 – 10 Canada
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Round of 32): South Africa vs Canada Official Match Stats
Important Facts of South Africa vs Canada (FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32)
- In the second minute of the second half stoppage time, Stephen Eustáquio set up a brilliant goal to bring the decisive moment of the match. He took the chance from just outside the box and struck the ball into the bottom corner for the goal.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Third Place Teams: Round of 32 Wildcard Rules
The Match Status: South Africa vs Canada (FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32)
In the late middle phase of the first half, South Africa held some momentum but failed to capitalize on it effectively. In the first half, while the co-hosts Canada, playing the United States, managed four on target out of seven shots, Bafana Bafana only counted one on target out of three shots.
In the second half, Canada hardly lost their momentum, while South Africa couldn’t deliver any solid challenge, as they had zero on targets out of three more shots. When the match was moving towards extra time, Eustáquio’s stunning goal broke Bafana Bafana’s heart.
What does the South Africa vs Canada (FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32) match mean?
South Africa have been eliminated from the tournament. Meanwhile, Canada are waiting for their Round of 16 opponent, which will be known on Monday night (29 June) after the Netherlands vs Morocco match; the winners of the fixture will face Canada on July 4 at NRG Stadium, Houston.
After recording their first WC point and first WC win during the group stage, Canada have achieved another new milestone by qualifying for the Round of 16 first time.