The 2026 FIFA World Cup has wrapped up group stages and we are one match into knockout rounds, finally learning the fate of LAFC forward, Heung-Min Son’s South Korea side. In our last update, we talked about South Korea needing to wait until the completion of group stage to know their fate for a hopeful spot in the knockout round, and after a couple of upsets, plus an exciting last day of action, we had our answer. On Sunday, we also saw the kickoff of the Round of 32, as Canada took on South Africa from Los Angeles, California.
Matchday 3. Kickoff 🔜 pic.twitter.com/0DuT9WuZaE
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 25, 2026
We start with South Korea. As we mentioned last time, the loss to South Africa in the final match of Group A action put them directly in the danger zone of being grouped this tournament. They held on as one of the best third-placed teams until the very last day of group stage matches, but it was a win from DR Congo over Uzbekistan that proved to be the dagger that drove through South Korea’s heart as they found themselves eliminated after what was a very disappointing showing in this year’s World Cup. It was so bad, the team had to fly in secret over night, with several players not disclosing travel plans, all to avoid the media and fans back home that were incredibly angry and in some cases, hostile with the team. There have been calls for investigation into whether the head coach is the right man for the job, as well as a call to reevaluate the entire team to perhaps bring in some of the younger players from the pool to begin preparations for next cycle.
As many might expect, with Heung-Min Son being one of the leaders on the team and the most recognizable global star, he received a heavy amount of criticism for a performance that left many worried about his abilities going forward. For LAFC fans, this tournament was a chance to perhaps see Sonny get a goal or two, rekindle the form he was in when he first arrived in MLS, and gain some confidence ahead of the second half of the season. However, it proved to be a bit of a disaster where we saw him struggle, receive massive criticism from local Korean media, and now he returns to Los Angeles with even worse vibes than he left with. The unexpected is what makes this tournament magical, but for Son, the unexpected turned his World Cup experience into a nightmare.
Congrats to Mathieu, Stephen, and Shaff 👏
Canada is on to the Round of 16 after their first-ever World Cup knockout win 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/92ZpJYL467
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 28, 2026
Our boys representing Canada have had a slightly better time this World Cup, after securing their spot in the knockout rounds, they were the first team to take the pitch in the Round of 32, taking on South Africa. The match itself was as tense as it gets with both sides missing opportunities early on to take the lead. The winning, and only goal scored, didn’t come until the final seconds of stoppage time. For the first time this tournament we finally got to see one of our own find the back of the net and how fitting that it was Canadien midfielder Stephen Eustáquio who scored the winner for his country. Perhaps it was the fact they were playing in Los Angeles that had the LAFC boys looking comfortable.
Stephen Eustáquio is absolutely CLUTCH for Canada 🇨🇦
What a moment to kick off the Knockout Stage in Los Angeles! pic.twitter.com/l9Z9r1zg4X
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 28, 2026
A great ball into the box from his LAFC teammate, Jacob Shaffelburg, ended up deflecting off a defender and landing right at the midfielder’s feet and with one quick strike, he sent the ball screaming into the back of the net for the late winner. The goal was historic, as the win sent Canada into the Round of 16 in the World Cup, for the first time ever, after winning a knockout round match for the first time in history. It’s been that type of tournament for Canada who, despite not winning their group, sending them to Los Angeles to ‘host’ the Round of 32 matchup, have been able to come together as a team to get the job done and get into the next round. Get the fireworks ready because their Round of 16 match will be against Morocco on the 4th of July, from Houston, Texas.
Thoughts on the South Korean elimination and Canada advancing? Leave a comment below!