Marsh, once a candidate to coach South Korea, leads Canada to first-ever World Cup round of 16

Canada, one of the co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, became the first team to advance to the round of 16 after defeating South Africa on Sunday.

Head coach Jesse Marsh's Canada side beat South Africa in the round of 32 at Los Angeles Stadium in California, with Steffen Eustaquio scoring the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.

Canada had advanced to the round of 32 as runners-up in Group B, marking the country's first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout stage. They carried that momentum through to defeat South Africa and become the first team to reach the round of 16 at this tournament.

Canada and South Africa battled fiercely for control of the match from the opening whistle.

Canada threatened repeatedly in the first half — Eustaquio tested the goalkeeper with a long-range effort in the 7th minute, and Moïse Bombito came close with a header in front of goal in the 44th minute, with Derrick Cornelius and Tajon Buchanan also getting shots off. In the 65th minute, Tani Oluwaseyi went for the left side of the penalty area with a left-footed shot, only to be denied by the goalkeeper.

The breakthrough came in the second minute of stoppage time. Eustaquio was the key. A cross from the right flank deflected off a defender and fell to him at the top of the penalty arc, and he drove it into the net with his right foot.

With the victory, Marsh guided Canada to its first-ever World Cup round of 16.

Marsh had been among the candidates considered to take charge of the South Korean national team before Hong Myung-bo was ultimately appointed.

After Jurgen Klinsmann was dismissed following the 2024 AFC Asian Cup in February of that year, Marsh emerged as a leading candidate to take over South Korea. However, a deal was never finalized, and he was appointed Canada head coach in May of that year.

The Korea Football Association had set residency in South Korea and attendance at K League matches as preconditions for any foreign coach. The KFA later said it had little disagreement with Marsh on financial terms but that the two sides diverged on the domestic residency requirement.

Courted by both the KFA and Canada Soccer, Marsh ultimately chose Canada in May 2024.

Meanwhile, Marsh had already extended his contract with Canada through the next World Cup before this tournament even began.

Canada Soccer announced May 26 that it had extended Marsh's contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup — a four-year extension.

At the time of the announcement, Canada had compiled a record of 12 wins, 12 draws and five losses in 29 matches under Marsh.

The highlight of his tenure was a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa América — Canada's first-ever appearance in the South American continental championship.

Canada Soccer said the contract extension "demonstrates our long-term commitment to continuity, excellence and sustained growth as we move toward the next chapter of Canadian soccer after the 2026 World Cup."

Marsh said he had felt a strong connection to the team, the country and the program's direction from the outset. "I'm very happy to be able to commit here for a long time and contribute to developing this program and raising the players to the highest level for years to come," he said.

A right back during his playing career, Marsh earned two caps for the United States national team.