Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has responded to questions about how far his side can go at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup following their historic progression to the knockout stages.
South Africa kept their World Cup dream alive by securing a place in the Round of 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday, finishing second in their group.
It marks the first time in the nation’s history that Bafana have advanced beyond the group stages, having been eliminated in the opening stage of each of their previous three FIFA World Cup appearances.
Broos’ men will now face Canada in the Round of 32 on Sunday at 9 pm at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
Reflecting on his team’s progress, Broos said one of the most encouraging aspects of their campaign is that they started the tournament below their best level but have steadily improved with each match.
He believes the momentum they have built over the past few games could carry them even further in the competition.
The Belgian coach added that the clash against Canada will not be “just another game” for his players, stressing that they are motivated by the opportunity to create even more history for South African football by reaching the Round of 16.
“It’s always dangerous to say we can get there or there in the tournament,” said Broos.
“The only thing I know and I feel is that the group is growing and this is very important when you’re playing a tournament.
“When you’re from the beginning already and you were top and you start to go down [that’s not good].
“So, we were not certainly on top but we’re going up now. You saw our match against Czechia was better, today [against Kore last Thursday] was good.
“What happens next Sunday, I don’t know. I just know that the players will be ready and then try to achieve the third round. It should be even more historical.
“But these players are chasing these things, they want to prove to everyone or show that they are a good team. So, we will see on Sunday.
“If we can go further, we will do it, don’t think that now we are going for another game and then next Monday take the flight to Johannesburg, not at all.
“We want to stay as long as possible, but that will also depend on the opponents on Sunday.”
