Canada continue to make history at the 2026 World Cup, beating South Africa 1-0 to progress to the round of 16.

A relatively uneventful match looked like it was heading for extra time, before Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute goal sealed victory for Jesse Marsch’s side and broke South African hearts in the process.

They had already made it further than any other Canadian team at the World Cup when they made it out of Group B and into the knockout phase, and they’ve gone one step further, with Marsch quick to praise his side and brand them “Canadian heroes.”

Troy Deeney Questions Marsch’s “Free Hit” Mentality

Troy Deeney gave a scathing assessment of Marsch’s choice of words, taking aim at the suggestion that Canada’s last-16 tie is a “free hit,” rather than a genuine shot at progression.

Speaking on CBS Sports, the former Watford and Birmingham City striker said:

It’s a fair question to raise, given the message it could send to a Canada squad who have already made history simply by reaching this stage of the tournament. Deeney went further, saying: “If that’s the case, go and have a beer now.”

Marcelo Balboa was equally unconvinced by Marsch’s framing, branding it a “bad message” to send to his players ahead of such a significant fixture. The former USMNT defender’s concern centres on the idea that labelling a knockout tie as a “free hit” risks lowering the stakes in players’ minds, regardless of the intention behind it.

Watch more of Deeney’s criticism below:

What’s Next For Canada and Jesse Marsch?

Canada coach Jesse Marsch via REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

Canada now know they’ll face either Morocco or the Netherlands, FIFA’s sixth and seventh ranked nations, for a place in the quarter-finals, a daunting assignment by anyone’s standards.

While Marsch’s comments may have been designed to take the pressure off his squad and encourage them to play with freedom, there’s a risk that framing the game as a “free hit” could have the opposite effect, subtly lowering ambitions at the exact moment Canada require their players to be fully focused on the job at hand.

It continues a tournament in which Marsch’s man-management style has split opinion, with many likening his somewhat performative approach to the popular TV series, Ted Lasso. Whether his words inspire Canada to another famous result, or end up undermining their belief before kick-off, will be proved in just a handful of days.

Manchester United are reportedly battling it out with Arsenal for one of South America’s most promising talents.

Both the Red Devils and the Gunners have focused on building squads with the future in mind in past transfer windows. Take, for example, United poaching Ayden Heaven from the North Londoners back in February 2025.

United are continuing to target youngsters who can develop into top talent. The latest teenage prospect to be placed on the club’s shortlist is Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora.

Man Utd and Arsenal Among Clubs Eyeing Mora

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According to Mexican outlet El Universal, Manchester United and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Mora in action during the World Cup. The Club Tijuana attacking midfielder has appeared twice for Mexico, including an impressive showing in a 3-0 win over Czechia.

Mora, only 17, is already featuring for his country on the biggest stage, and he’s tipped to become a superstar. It’s said that English interest in the playmaker has increased during the tournament.

At club level, he is making a name for himself, and he registered six goals and one assist in 20 games across competitions for Tijuana. His profile has been likened to that of Kevin De Bruyne, a superb passer who can dictate games with his impressive dribbling.

Mora made his club debut at the age of 16 and became the youngest ever goalscorer in Mexico’s top-flight. He has previously been on Manchester City’s radar, although there’s no indication that their scouts have also watched him at the World Cup.

Tijuana confirmed that Mora has signed a historic new deal, the club’s biggest ever contract. However, this includes an exit clause which allows him to move to a European club if suitable offers are made.

United Not Leading Race For Mora

English interest doesn’t mean Mora will end up in the Premier League, as he has also caught the eye of European clubs. TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid are frontrunners to sign the Mexican, while Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also admirers.

United may therefore have a real fight on their hands to try and win the race for the in-demand attacker. It’s important that they guarantee senior football for the player who will clearly prioritise regular first-team action.

Heaven is an example of a youth signing who has been brought into the first-team fold. Michael Carrick has blended youth with experience since replacing Ruben Amorim in January.

Manchester United are said to have a chance of pulling off an impressive Real Madrid coup this summer. The Red Devils are in the market for midfielders this summer, with Michael Carrick needing to replace Casemiro, who departs at the end of his contract on Tuesday.

Carrick has already added Ederson from Atalanta, and more midfield recruits are required this summer. United have the money, and Carrick will be allowed to splurge on a marquee midfield signing.

West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is being heavily linked, but United are going to have to keep other avenues open amid competition.

Tchouameni linked with Old Trafford switch

Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters

Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move to United this summer. Tchouameni has been a steady performer at the Bernabeu, but he could be edged out of José Mourinho’s new starting XI this summer.

Mourinho wants a marquee midfield signing of his own, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez being linked, and should someone of the Argentine’s calibre arrive, an existing midfielder is going to lose his place in the starting XI.

That could be Tchouameni, and according to reports, United could exploit that to secure a dream deal for the talented Frenchman, who may be available for around £70million.

Real Madrid are not actively looking to sell Tchouameni, but a big offer could change their stance, especially if they get their big midfield signing. Tchouameni’s midfield teammate Eduardo Camavinga is more likely to be sold as far as Real Madrid are concerned, but again, it will come down to what offers come in.

Although journalist Nico Shira has claimed Tchouameni is not in Mourinho’s starting XI plans as things stand, claiming: “Aurelien Tchouameni is not central in Jose Mourinho’s plans and so he could leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.”

Tchouameni’s wages won’t be a problem for United

According to Ben Jacobs, Tchouameni’s sizable wages will not be an issue for United, and a deal could be on the cards, but only if Real Madrid do decide to sell.

Jacobs told The United Stand: “Tchouameni’s wages are not an issue in my opinion. Manchester United would be prepared to make a player like that one of their top earners. They’re not in that territory of £300,000 [per week] Rashford, Sancho-type wages, but nor is Tchouameni by the way.

“So I’m not aware that personal terms with Tchouameni would be a problem. The challenge is, what midfielder do Real sign? Is it in Tchouameni’s position? Even if it isn’t, do they bring in enough funds elsewhere, or do they need one big sale to make a play at Enzo Fernandez? Jose Mourinho has said he wants Enzo Fernandez, and this is why talks are expected to begin between Chelsea and Real Madrid.

“So I doubt Man Utd would be walking away from a prospective Tchouameni deal [based] on wages. I think they would hold some optimism that if the player genuinely becomes available, it’s a viable move.”