South Africa have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 0-1 loss to co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday evening.
With the contest drifting towards extra time, Canada scored the winning goal in the first minute of added time.
Stephen Eustaquio pounced on a clearance just outside the box before firing a powerful volley into the far corner to send the Canadians into the round of 16.
The match was closely fought with limited clear-cut chances.
South Africa, who had finished second in Group A, struggled to create sustained opportunities and recorded only one shot on target.
They appeared content to see the game move into extra time until Canada’s late breakthrough.
Alert defending, including a vital block by Mbekezeli Mbokazi, prevented Canada from taking the lead.
Jesse Marsch’s side became the first team to reach the last 16 at the tournament, following their earlier 6-0 victory over Qatar on 18 June.
Canada will play either the Netherlands or Morocco in the last 16, with the match scheduled for 4 July in Houston.
After the defeat, South Africa’s World Cup campaign also marked the end of coach Broos’ spell in charge before he moves into retirement.
The South African government meanwhile commended the team for an “outstanding and historic” run, saying Bafana Bafana inspired the country by reaching the knockout stages for the first time in South Africa’s World Cup history.
JN/APA