Stephen Eustaquio’s Ontario hometown is celebrating his last-minute goal on Sunday that allowed the Canadian men’s team to make soccer history and advance to the FIFA World Cup round of 16 for the first time.
The 29-year-old midfielder from Leamington, southeast of Windsor, Ont., scored the goal against South Africa in stoppage time to give Canada a 1-0 victory.
Although Eustaquio moved to Portugal at age seven, he still has many ties to the town of about 30,000 people, through family and friends.
Community members say they are thrilled to see his success on the world stage.
Joal McMahon, the principal at Eustaquio’s former elementary school, says everyone is buzzing about his role in Canadian history.
Before the World Cup began, Eustaquio had filmed a video for current students of St. Louis Catholic Elementary School, asking for their support during the “tough” journey ahead.
“My phone was blowing up from staff members, just so excited to have somebody that came from St. Louis become a national hero,” McMahon said in an interview.
The soccer-mad town has hosted watch parties throughout the tournament, and they expect the festivities to continue.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 29, 2026.
Monique Kasonga, The Canadian Press
