Disappointed with FIFA WC exit but proud of reaching first ever knockouts: SA coach Hugo Broos
Los Angeles, June 29
South Africa coach Hugo Broos said that though he was disappointed by his team's World Cup round-of-32 exit, his side takes great pride in reaching the FIFA World Cup knockouts for the first time.
South Africa's exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 came in cruel circumstances after Stephen Eustaquio secured a last-gasp victory for Canada in their Round of 32 clash at Los Angeles Stadium.
After the team recovered from an opening defeat to Mexico to draw with Czechia and then defeat Korea to reach the knockout stages of the global showpiece for the first time, they are leaving with their heads held high.
"It was a difficult game but I knew beforehand [it would be so] because I analysed the opponent. They have two important [traits] in power and speed. We hoped we had an answer for that but it was not always the fact," Broos told FIFA.
"You saw situations in the game that we could not follow and the duels, man against man, we lost sometimes or most of the time. We have to work on power and speed in South Africa.
"I don't have complaints about the mentality but I think we can look back on this tournament with happiness because we got to the second round. I don't think anybody expected that before the tournament," he added.
South Africa's performances at the World Cup were even more impressive as it was their first global finals since 2010.
"It is sore now because we wanted to win today. It's a disappointment; it's very quiet in the dressing room at the moment. But on the other side we have to be honest, we did very well for our first time in the World Cup after 26 years. We achieved the second round," Broos said.
Broos, at the age of 74 years and 79 days, became the oldest coach in knockout-phase history. H said he will look back on the tournament with real fondness. "For me, it was a very nice thing to do as a coach again. We did it very well."
SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan also said while the defeat was disappointing, Bafana Bafana can hold their heads high after making history during this tournament.
"It is sad that we are bowing out of the World Cup, but we have to applaud this team after what they did in this tournament. They made history on Wednesday this week when we qualified for the second round for the first time ever after beating South Korea 1-0 in the last group match in Monterrey. We will take this with us when we go back home and build on it," said Jordaan.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I can totally relate to the feeling of 'so close yet so far'. We've been waiting for our own team to reach the World Cup for decades. South Africa's story gives hope - if they can do it after 26 years, maybe one day we'll see India in the knockout stages too. Broos has done a magnificent job with limited resources. Hats off! 👏
Honestly impressed by Hugo Broos's honesty about the team's physical limitations. Very few coaches admit 'we couldn't follow in duels' - that's real self-analysis. South Africa's group stage performance was no fluke; they beat Korea when it mattered. Next step is to build on this foundation. From India, we salute your progress! 🇮🇳🤝🇿🇦
I disagree with those saying South Africa underachieved. Coming back from 1-0 down against Mexico, drawing with Czechia, and then that crucial win over Korea? That's mental toughness. Yes, losing to Canada in the dying minutes hurts, but as Broos said, they'll look back with happiness. We Indians know how precious World Cup moments are - cherish this, South Africa! ✨
What a bittersweet moment for African football. At 74, Broos becoming the oldest knockout-phase coach is remarkable - it shows experience and wisdom matter in modern football. SAFA president Jordaan's comments about building on this foundation are crucial. From one cricket-loving nation to another, we understand the pain of defeat but the pride in progress. Well played, Bafana! 🏆
S We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.