Deborah and Paul Thériault arrived at Pubblico Eatery hours before Canada's 3 p.m. FIFA World Cup knockout match against South Africa on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The Wellington West bar was packed with local fans wearing red and Canada's official team jerseys, watching the game on seven TV screens.
First Knockout Match in History
This was Canada's first-ever men's World Cup knockout match. The first half passed with little action, and the second half ebbed and flowed. In the 92nd minute, two minutes into stoppage time, Stephen Eustáquio scored Canada's only goal.
Devin Stratton and Scott Saunders, two fans at the pub, called it "an absolute strike by Eustáquio." Stratton said, "With the history of the program, it wasn't too long ago Canada was losing 8-1 to Honduras and the World Cup dreams were shattered. Now they qualified last time the right way, we host this time, and we make it to round 16 … it's incredible."
Community Celebration
Rani Aramoui, co-owner of Pubblico Eatery, said he and co-owner Rod Castro know 90 percent of the attendees by name. Aramoui stood by the door, opening it for anyone entering or leaving. The bar opened just before the pandemic about seven years ago, and the community always turns up for big Canada games.
Deborah Thériault praised coach Jesse Marsch for bringing on Alphonso Davies, whom she considered Canada's best player. Dustin Turgeon, another fan, said Davies injected energy in the final moments. Turgeon called the win "historic" and said soccer means "everything" to him. "I make sure I watch every single Canada game. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I'll be back here next week."
Turgeon, Thériault, Saunders, and Stratton all plan to return to Pubblico for Canada's next match next Sunday at 1 p.m.
