Canada advances to World Cup round of 16 after dramatic win in Toronto

Canada's national soccer team defeated South Africa in stoppage time on June 29, 2026, securing the country's first ever progression from the Round of 32 to the Round of 16 in a major international tournament. The late goal sparked massive celebrations in downtown Toronto, drawing thousands of fans to public viewing zones and prompting extensive crowd‑control and infrastructure measures.

On the same weekend, the Toronto Tempo WNBA franchise played its inaugural game at Scotiabank Arena, marking the first time the team appeared in the city's largest indoor venue. The event attracted a record crowd of 15,687 spectators, nearly double the usual attendance, and featured a standout performance by Canadian star Kia Nurse after a starter withdrew with a neck injury. The game highlighted growing interest in women's basketball in Canada.