Pic: Bafana goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, tried his best but it was not enough
From Group A High to Last-Minute Low
South Africa arrived in Los Angeles full of confidence after finishing second in Group A behind hosts Mexico. That came on the back of a memorable 1-0 victory over South Korea that sealed their place in the knockout stage for the first time.
Against Canada, both sides were playing in the knockout stage for the first time.
But with the game heading for extra time, Canada broke through. Stephen Eustaquio netted in the 90th +2 minute to break South African hearts.
South Africa’s first World Cup in 16 years opened with a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.
Bafana Coach, Hugo Broos, made one change for the Canada game, recalling Teboho Mokoena from suspension in place of Thalente Mbatha. Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis went close, but Canada’s defence held firm.
The loss ends South Africa’s 2026 journey at the Round of 32. Yet reaching the knockout phase, beating South Korea, and matching co-hosts Canada until stoppage time marks progress for a team rebuilding under Broos.
He said South Africans must savour the moment of being part of the biggest soccer tournament in the world, as well as achieving a bronze medal at the from the Africa Cup of Nations.
