South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Canada in the round of 32 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday.
Stephen Eustáquio scored the only goal in the 92nd minute after a poor clearance by South African defender Ime Okon. The match marked the first World Cup knockout appearance for both teams.
Bafana Bafana had reached the round of 32 after finishing second in Group A behind Mexico. They defeated South Korea 1-0 on 25 June, drew 1-1 with Czechia and lost 2-0 to Mexico.
Coach Hugo Broos, whose contract ends after five years with the team, reflected on the progress made. “We can already say that the World Cup is a success for us,” Broos said before the match. “We reached the second round, which is important.”
Canada advanced to face the Netherlands or Morocco in the round of 16 in Houston on Saturday. Bafana Bafana are expected to receive a heroes’ welcome upon their return home despite the loss.
