2026 World Cup: South Africa has a card to play against Canada

In a tough spot after an opening defeat against Mexico (0-2), another host nation, the South Africans managed to turn things around. Thanks to a courageous draw against the Czech Republic (1-1) and a memorable win over South Korea (1-0), Bafana Bafana clinched second place in Group A with 4 points.

From "joke" to sensation: the resurrection inspired by Hugo Broos

This path validates the method of Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who is savoring this revenge on fate after a turbulent start at the head of the team and a first match after which he faced extensive criticism. In a pre-match press conference, the coach did not hide his pride in how far they've come:

"At the beginning, it was very difficult. Everybody said Bafana Bafana were a joke. People didn’t really understand what I was doing, I was calling up players from small clubs... But after our bronze medal two years ago at AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire, people’s eyes suddenly opened. We can already say that this World Cup is a success for us. Everyone hoped for the round of 16, and here we are. But this doesn't mean we're just going to play this game and go home. When you’re here, you want more. We want to win."

A sense of a job well done but undimmed ambition, shared by his captain and last line of defense, Ronwen Williams:

Ronwen Williams: "We worked so hard to be at this World Cup, nothing was given to us. I remember when coach Broos took over the team and promised we’d be at World Cup 2026. We didn’t want to disappoint him. Today, we are inspiring a whole nation."

Canada deprived of its twelfth man

Standing in their way is Canada. The sensation of Group B after an offensive festival against Qatar (6-0) and a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Canucks nonetheless bit the dust on the final day against Switzerland (1-2). A defeat with heavy consequences.

For South Africa, the main advantage of this round of sixteen also lies in geography. After playing their entire group stage buoyed by the fiery crowds in Toronto and Vancouver, the Canadians must now exile themselves to the United States, on the Californian turf of Los Angeles. Deprived of their people's absolute fervor, Canada becomes a beatable team again, all the more so as their defense showed real signs of jitters against Swiss efficiency.

A real shot to take

If optimism reigns in the South African camp, it is also because the draw proved particularly favorable to them compared to the rest of the continent’s representatives.

With a historic total of 9 African nations qualifying for this second round—almost a third of the remaining teams—Africa is shining on American soil. However, the road to the round of 16 looks to be a real gauntlet for CAF's top teams: DR Congo have been handed a fierce clash against England. Other major nations like Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, or Egypt are about to cross swords with the big European and South American favorites.

Amid this minefield, South Africa appears to be in a privileged position. Canada, while formidable thanks to individuals like Jonathan David and Alfonso Davies, remains an opponent within reach for Bafana Bafana if they can deploy their compact block and speed on the counterattack.

The stage is set, kick-off is imminent. In Los Angeles, South Africa is no longer a joke: they have a date with history.