Despite a 2-1 loss to Chile in the Group K finale Tuesday, Canada moved into the knockout round at the FIFA under-17 World Cup for the first time in nine trips to the tournament.
The young Canadians had a chance to pull even in stoppage time, but forward Van Parker skied a penalty kick in the 99th minute.
Tournament debutant Uganda upset France 1-0 in the other Group K match, leaving all four teams on four points with 1-1-1 records. But Canada still finished second behind the French to qualify for the Round of 32 at the expanded 48-team tournament, up from 24 teams in 2023 in Indonesia. Uganda finished third and Chile fourth.
The top two teams in each group plus the eight best third-placed sides qualify for the Round of 32.
Canada had never won a game in its eight previous tournament appearances, recording a dismal 0-20-4 record. But it has been a different story this year.
Canada rallied with two late goals, with the winner coming on a 98th-minute penalty, for a 2-1 win over Uganda before playing France to a scoreless draw.
Chile lost 2-0 to France before settling for a 1-1 draw with Uganda after conceding a 93rd-minute goal.
The tournament runs through Nov. 27 across eight pitches at the Aspire Zone complex in Doha, Qatar. The final will be staged at Khalifa International Stadium, which is also on the Aspire Zone site.
York United attacker Shola Jimoh opened the scoring for Canada in the 32nd minute. But Zidane Yanez and Matias Orellana replied for Chile, in the 55th and 66th minutes, respectively.
There was plenty of late drama.
Francisco Daza saved a Canadian goal in the 76th minute, with a goal-line clearance from Aidan Evans after goalkeeper Vicente Villegas failed to hang onto a cross.
Chile finished the game with
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