South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured in all three of his country’s group matches at the World Cup, has died, a government minister has confirmed. Adams, who played his club football for Pretoria side Mamelodi Sundowns, was an unused substitute as South Africa exited the tournament in a last-32 defeat to co-hosts Canada on 28 June.
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Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time strike sealed co-hosts Canada a 1-0 World Cup knock-out win against South Africa and a place in the last 16. Canada captain Eustaquio lashed home from the edge of the box in the second minute of added time at the Los Angeles Stadium to clinch Jesse Marsch’s side a round of 16 tie against Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on 4 July.
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South Africa reached the knockout phase at a World Cup for the first time when Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike gave them victory against South Korea, who can still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Maseko fired the ball into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South Africa, who will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Saturday, on four points behind Group A winners Mexico who beat the Czech Republic 3-0.
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A late penalty from Teboho Mokoena secured South Africa a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atalanta, which keeps alive both sides’ hopes of qualification from Group A. After Patrik Schick headed an early chance wide at the far post, the Czechs – showing five changes from the 2-1 defeat to South Korea, including West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek dropped to the bench – took the lead in the sixth minute.
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Co-hosts Mexico made a strong start to their 2026 World Cup campaign as they defeated nine-man South Africa at a packed Azteca Stadium in the tournament opener. Three players were sent off in all, with Mexico reduced to 10 men in the closing moments. Mexico had only needed nine minutes before they delighted their fans with the first goal of the finals.
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