A Canadian soccer fan experienced a moment of dismay during the World Cup knockout match between Canada and South Africa when her phone was lost amidst a Mexican wave. The incident occurred at the Los Angeles Stadium and was captured by FOX's broadcast cameras.
As the crowd participated in the wave, the fan raised her arms, inadvertently releasing her phone, which then disappeared over the stadium barriers. The fan's reaction of horror was visible on camera. A slow-motion replay of the moment was later shared on X by the official FOX Sports account.
This stadium mishap provided a notable, albeit unfortunate, moment during a significant match for the Canadian national team. Despite being co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Canada played this knockout fixture on American soil after a group stage loss to Switzerland. The team secured a 1-0 victory against South Africa with a goal in added time by midfielder Stephen Eustaquio, advancing to the round of 16.
In a separate event connected to the match, Canadian men's national team manager Jesse Marsch, an American, drew criticism for singing the Canadian national anthem prior to the game. Marsch, who previously managed the U.S. men's national team, linked arms with coaches and sang 'O Canada.' His actions sparked a strong reaction on social media, with some users labeling him a "fake patriot" and a "traitor."