LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Canada’s captain Alphonso Davies etched his name into FIFA World Cup history by becoming the 1,000th player to make an appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament during Canada’s Round of 32 clash against South Africa.
Davies came off the bench in the knockout fixture as the co-hosts secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa to book their place in the Round of 16.
The landmark appearance was confirmed by FIFA, making him the 1,000th player to feature at the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 edition.
The Canada captain was introduced in the second half after being declared fit by head coach Jesse Marsch following recovery from a hamstring injury.
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Davies who entered the contest in the 75th minute got a loud reception from the home crowd, and he immediately added pace and creativity down the flank.
Stephen Eustaquio’s last-gasp strike sealed a hard-fought victory for co-hosts Canada over South Africa in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to move into the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time, in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Jesse Marsch’s side will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs Morocco at Houston Stadium.
