Canada vs South Africa FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Did Referee Not Award A Penalty On Richie Larya’s Tackle Inside The Box?

Canada vs South Africa: Canada and South Africa headed into the halftime break locked at 0-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at Los Angeles Stadium, with the first knockout match of the expanded tournament producing end-to-end action but no breakthrough. Canada, playing their first match of the competition outside home soil after finishing second in Group B, came closest to opening the scoring but were left frustrated by a controversial penalty decision that went against them.

South Africa enjoyed the better share of possession during the opening exchanges and registered the first shot on target in the fifth minute. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was forced into an early diving save to deny the African side and keep the scores level. Canada responded quickly, with Liam Millar creating an opportunity that ended with Richie Laryea forcing the South African goalkeeper into a smart save before Stephen Eustaquio’s resulting corner sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

The Maple Leaf Looked Promising But Lacked Clinicality In Final Third

As the half progressed, Canada gradually took control and began creating the more dangerous chances. In the 21st minute, Eustaquio delivered an inviting free-kick into the box, but defender Derek Cornelius failed to make clean contact with his header, allowing the South African goalkeeper to gather comfortably.

Canada continued to threaten through Tani Oluwaseyi, who found space inside the penalty area after a defensive clearance was intercepted. However, his powerful effort came from a difficult angle and was comfortably dealt with by the goalkeeper.

The biggest talking point of the opening 45 minutes arrived just before halftime. Eustaquio’s corner found Moise Bombito, whose towering header beat the goalkeeper but was blocked near the goal line by a South African defender after a frantic scramble inside the six-yard box. The ball eventually trickled to safety as South Africa survived one of Canada’s best opportunities of the match.

Why Was Canada Not Awarded A Penalty On Richie Larya’s Tackle?

Moments later, controversy erupted when Richie Laryea drove into the penalty area and appeared to be brought down from behind by a South African defender while attempting to deliver a cross. The referee awarded a goal kick instead of a penalty, and a subsequent VAR review upheld the on-field decision.

Although replays suggested there was contact on Laryea’s back leg, officials appeared to conclude that the defender had made a slight touch on the ball and that the challenge did not constitute an obvious error. Had a penalty been awarded initially, it likely would have stood, but VAR found insufficient evidence to overturn the referee’s call.

With the match still goalless at halftime, both nations remained in search of a historic victory that would send them into the Round of 16, where the winners will face either the Netherlands or Morocco.