It's a historic day for the Canadian Men's National Team, as they are into the Round of 16 of a Men's World Cup for the first time in the program's history after defeating South Africa 1-0 thanks to a late Stephen Eustáquio winner.
Canadian NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was quick to congratulate the Canadian Men's National Team, sharing a story on Instagram with three clapping emojis.
Prime Minister Mark Carney was thrilled to see Canada advance; although he could not attend the match, he made sure to be still cheering for Les Rouges wherever he was.
Despite not being named in the 26-man squad for the tournament, defender Kamal Miller congratulated his teammates on this historic achievement.
Proud of my guys 🇨🇦 Onto the next 🙏🏾
— Kamal Miller (@KMillz_00) June 28, 2026
American actor Matthew McConaughey surprisingly congratulated Jesse Marsch's side, referring to Canada as their "Northern neighbor" after quoting a tweet from the official account of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
That's not how you spell neighbour, Matthew.
Big congrats to Northern neighbor Canada.
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) June 28, 2026
🇨🇦 1 🇿🇦 0. Carry on co-hosts. https://t.co/RRFJgWggY3
In the locker room, injured midfielder Ismaël Koné was feeling it after the win.
TEAM CANADA’S LOCKER ROOM AFTER THE WIN OVER SOUTH AFRICA 😭😭
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) June 28, 2026
Ismaël Koné: BRRRRRR-AHHH 😂🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/DWWmSm1Xck
SCENES in the concourse at Los Angeles Stadium after Canada’s historic win 🤯🇨🇦 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/azjxVjBZxs
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 28, 2026
During the post-match interviews, head coach Jesse Marsch was asked about his feelings after the win.
Jesse Marsch speaks on how he feels following Canada's historic win over South Africa.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/gSapVIxUny
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 28, 2026
In the same period, a very emotional question was asked to goalscorer Stephen Eustáquio, who has overcome several hardships prior to today's moment.
Stephen Eustáquio gets emotional talking about his path to scoring the biggest goal in #CANMNT program history 👏#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/NYGouEk7pj
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 28, 2026
Overall, Canada is feeling it after today's win and will look to continue their historic campaign, as they will take on the winner of tomorrow's match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Monterrey.
Canada's Round of 16 match, regardless of opponent, is scheduled for Saturday, July 4 at the Houston Stadium, with kickoff set for 10:00 am PT / 11:00 am MT / 12:00 pm CT / 1:00 pm ET / 2:00 pm AT.
