World Cup 2026: Canada’s Eustaquio Sends Warning to Morocco, Netherlands After Beating South Africa

Canada midfielder Stephen Eustaquio has warned Morocco and the Netherlands to prepare for their toughest test of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his side booked a place in the Round of 16 with a dramatic victory over South Africa.

Eustaquio scored the decisive goal deep into stoppage time as Canada edged South Africa 1-0 in their Round of 32 clash on Sunday to continue their historic World Cup campaign.

The victory secured Canada’s place in the last 16, where they will face the winner of the Round of 32 encounter between Morocco and the Netherlands.

Speaking after the match, the Porto midfielder expressed confidence that Canada has what it takes to compete with any team remaining in the tournament.

He said Jesse Marsch’s side would approach the next round with the same determination that carried them past South Africa and insisted that either Morocco or the Netherlands would face a difficult challenge.

“We will try to make Morocco and the Netherlands see our game and feel, if they go through, they’re going to get the hardest game they’re going to face in this World Cup,” Eustaquio said.

The midfielder also praised his teammates for their resilience and fighting spirit throughout the encounter against South Africa.

“I think we did an amazing job and it’s going to be an amazing game next week,” he added.

Canada dominated large spells of the contest but struggled to break down a disciplined South African defence for most of the match.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made several outstanding saves to keep Bafana Bafana in the game, while defenders Aubrey Modiba and Mbekezeli Mbokazi produced crucial interventions to deny the Canadians.

However, Canada’s persistence eventually paid off in the first minute of stoppage time when a loose ball fell to Eustaquio on the edge of the penalty area.

The 29-year-old calmly guided a low shot into the bottom corner to score Canada’s first-ever goal in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup and seal a memorable victory.

The result ended South Africa’s historic campaign after Bafana Bafana reached the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.

Canada will now turn its attention to the Round of 16 as the co-hosts continue their quest for a place in the quarter-finals, buoyed by growing confidence following their dramatic elimination of South Africa.