(Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Nashville SC assistant coach Michael Nsien has praised Canada and the United States men’s national team for their performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Canada advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time.
Stephen Eustáquio scored a 92nd-minute volley as Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles, securing the country’s first victory in a men’s World Cup knockout match.
Canada will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4, with a place in the World Cup quarterfinals at stake.
Nsien Praises Canada And USMNT Progress
Canada advanced from the group stage for the first time after finishing second in Group B with four points. The USMNT collected six points to win Group D and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 3.
Nsien told RG that the two teams’ results reflected the development of soccer across North America.
“I’m impressed with the performances the teams delivered in the group stage,” Nsien said. “I think it is a statement to the development of soccer in the United States and Canada in the last few years.
“We have not only developed the business of soccer, we have shown the world how Major League Soccer has developed over the years with the amazing talent and strength of these teams.
“I believe in the USMNT and Canada to continue this run, and the sky is just the starting point for us.”
In an interview with RG in October 2025, Nsien predicted that hosting the World Cup would help move MLS closer to the leading domestic leagues in global football.
Canada has since carried its progress beyond the group stage. Eustáquio’s winner followed an opening phase in which Jesse Marsch’s side scored eight goals.
Jonathan David became the first Canadian to score multiple goals in a men’s World Cup match when he recorded a hat trick in a 6-0 victory over Qatar. The result was also the largest World Cup win by a CONCACAF nation.
The USMNT also scored eight goals during the group stage, and Nsien highlighted the attacking options available to both countries.
“Every American is proud of the results we achieved in the group stage,” Nsien said. “The USA and Canada have shown that they can compete at the World Cup. After seeing the group-stage results, I’m happier to see players like Folarin Balogun and Jonathan David make history for the two countries amid heightened immigration rules across the world.
“Football truly unites everybody irrespective of background.”
Davies Returns Before Eustáquio Strikes Late
Alphonso Davies made his tournament debut from the bench against South Africa after missing Canada’s three group-stage matches.
The Bayern Munich defender added pace to Canada’s attack and contributed to several opportunities before the decisive goal arrived in second-half stoppage time.
Eustáquio met the loose ball outside the penalty area and sent a controlled volley into the bottom corner, leaving Williams unable to prevent Canada from reaching the Round of 16.
The timing of the winner reflected Nsien’s warning before the knockout stage about the importance of maintaining concentration until the final whistle.
“The knockout stage is a new start for all the 32 teams, and it is a new competition format where losers pack their bags immediately,” Nsien said.
“Focus is very important at this stage. Every player on the pitch needs to give full concentration until the sound of the final whistle. The stoppage time we see in this tournament is not the usual one. We see nine minutes of added time, and it shows that tables can still turn within 10 minutes.”
Eustáquio decided Canada’s opening knockout match after the regulation 90 minutes had elapsed, turning Nsien’s warning into a defining moment in Canadian soccer history.
Canada Moves One Win From Quarterfinals
Canada’s next opponent will be determined by the Round of 32 meeting between the Netherlands and Morocco. The Round of 16 match will take place in Houston on July 4.
Nsien said Canada and the United States should continue using the attacking approach that helped both teams advance from their groups.
“We don’t need to sit back. We have shown how dangerous we can be in the front,” he said.
“Canada and USMNT need to go all out for wins with good football. The defence should be alert as well.”
Canada’s historic campaign is also generating increased interest among supporters comparing soccer betting sites and reviewing RG’s World Cup 2026 Betting Bonuses in Canada ahead of the next knockout round.
Marsch’s team is now one victory away from reaching the quarterfinals. The United States will attempt to join Canada in the Round of 16 when it faces Bosnia and Herzegovina.