A Polymarket user identified as "maz26" has turned a bold $1.2 million wager into more than ₦3.1 billion after backing Canada to beat South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The dramatic 1-0 victory was sealed by Stephen Eustaquio's 92nd-minute half-volley, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 and breaking the hearts of Bafana Bafana.
Billion-Naira Gamble Pays Off
According to Polymarket Sports, the user staked approximately $1.2 million (roughly ₦1.6 billion) on Canada to progress past South Africa. The risky bet paid off handsomely, generating winnings of $2,308,466.04, which translates to more than ₦3.1 billion at current exchange rates. The stunning return immediately attracted attention across social media, with football fans marvelling at both the courage and fortune behind the prediction.
Both nations had reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their histories, making the outcome highly uncertain. South Africa arrived with momentum after an inspiring group-stage campaign, while Canada carried the weight of home support and growing national expectations.
Eustaquio Breaks South African Hearts
The match itself delivered drama worthy of the enormous sums riding on it. According to Sky Sports, South Africa produced another resilient defensive display and looked increasingly comfortable with the prospect of taking the contest into extra time. Canada created opportunities but repeatedly ran into determined resistance. Moise Bombito saw a header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi produced a vital intervention to deny Jonathan David what appeared to be a certain goal. Ronwen Williams also stood firm between the posts as Bafana Bafana fought to keep their historic World Cup adventure alive.
But in the 92nd minute, Canada finally found the breakthrough. Stephen Eustaquio controlled the ball inside the penalty area before unleashing a superb half-volley into the far corner, sending the home supporters into wild celebrations. The goal proved decisive and secured Canada's place in the last 16.
South Africa Bow Out After Making History
Despite the painful ending, South Africa leave the tournament with plenty to celebrate. Bafana Bafana reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time, surpassing previous campaigns in 1998, 2002 and 2010. After opening with defeat to Mexico, Hugo Broos' side recovered impressively with a draw against the Czech Republic and a memorable victory over South Korea.
Canada, meanwhile, continue their dream run away from home soil. The co-hosts will now face either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Man Loses Big After Ghana Clash
Earlier, Legit.ng highlighted a bettor who faced a staggering loss of over ₦1.1 billion after placing an $840,000 wager against Ghana in their World Cup opener against Panama. Just imagine the disbelief and heartbreak as Caleb Yirenkyi's last-minute goal transformed a hopeful gamble into a cruel reality, leaving fans and bettors alike in shock.
