South Africa’s historic journey came to a devastating end in Los Angeles as a 92nd-minute winner from Stephen Eustaquio sent Canada through to the Round of 16. Despite the heartbreak of a late exit, the Belgian tactician has indicated that he is not ready to officially walk away from the national team just yet.
Gil Mora, Obed Vargas and Mateo Chávez are leading Mexico's youth movement as Javier Aguirre builds a World Cup contender with one eye firmly on the future.
South Africa are riding high after securing a historic place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the challenge only gets tougher from here. After finishing second in Group A, Hugo Broos’ side is preparing for a high-stakes encounter against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles. Local legend Doctor Khumalo has now offered his expert insight on how the South African national team should navigate this daunting fixture.
The group stage of the 2026 World Cup came to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday, as Austria scored a 96th-minute equaliser against Algeria to qualify for the knockout stage while simultaneously eliminating Iran, who had been set to progress as one of the tournament's third-placed finishers. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi came off the bench to help Argentina maintain their 100 percent winning record with a 3-1 victory over Jordan and, in doing so, the No.10 extended his record-breaking goals tally at the finals to 19.
Mexico topped their World Cup group, but not everyone boosted their standing. GOAL looks at who is rising under Javier Aguirre and who is slipping before the Round of 32.
South Africa is celebrating a landmark moment in its footballing history after the team secured safe passage to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The achievement marks the first time the national side has reached the bracket rounds since the country's readmission to international sports, sparking widespread praise for the man at the helm.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has offered a unique perspective on the 2026 World Cup's controversial hydration breaks, breaking ranks with several high-profile critics. While fans and players have voiced frustrations over the frequent stoppages, the German tactician believes they serve a practical purpose both on and off the pitch.
South Africa came into their fixture against South Korea knowing nothing less than a win would see them into the next round of the tournament for the first time in their history. At the final whistle they had their dream result as they ran out 1-0 winners to finish second in Group A and guarantee passage into the Round of 32 where Canada await. Here, in a post-match interview with SABC, two of Bafana's brightest stars react to their achievement.
Mexico witnessed the arrival of a new star in Gilberto Mora and celebrated the career of a legend in Guillermo Ochoa as they secured a 3-0 win over Czechia. For the first time, El Tri finished a World Cup group stage with nine points, and Javier “Vasco” Aguirre now has his team in the best possible shape heading into the knockout rounds.
The Belgian tactician was honest about the impact losing the midfielder will have on his team but is confident that, no matter who he picks to fill the void, they will be ready to make their mark on the global stage at the FIFA World Cup.
South Africa faces a defining moment in their 2026 World Cup journey as they prepare for a must-win encounter against Taegeuk Warriors. After a stuttering start in Group A, the pressure is mounting on the Belgian tactician to unleash the country's most exciting young talent to save their tournament hopes.
All the details of the match between Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana and Hong Myung-bo's Taegeuk Warriors in both teams final Group A fixture. The Asian team need just a draw to be guaranteed a place in the Round of 32 whereas South Africa need all three points to progress.
The 29-year-old centre-back has issued a warning to his teammates regarding the technical quality and blistering pace of Bafana Bafana ahead of their decisive final group game. With qualification for the Round of 32 on the line, the former Napoli star insists that unity and clinical execution will be the keys to Taegeuk Warriors progressing.
Mexico have already secured first place, but Javier Aguirre still faces key decisions as El Tri prepare to face Czechia before the World Cup knockout rounds.
South Africa find themselves at a crossroads in their global showpiece campaign as they prepare for a high-stakes final group-stage encounter with South Korea. After a disappointing opening loss to Mexico and a hard-fought draw against Czechia, the Mzansi side must find a clinical edge to secure their spot in the knockout rounds.
As South Africa heads into a do-or-die Group A showdown, with a place in the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line, tension and belief are running high in the Bafana camp. With qualification hanging in the balance, a coach well-versed in the national team setup has stepped in with a tactical roadmap that could prove decisive against South Korea, offering Hugo Broos’ charges a clear blueprint to grind out a vital victory and keep their tournament hopes alive.
Al-Ahli centre-back William Troost-Ekong has leaped to the defence of South Africa following criticism of their World Cup performances, insisting they fully deserve their spot in North America. Despite a slow start to the tournament, the Super Eagles legend noted a significant tactical improvement in their recent outing.
South Africa face a tactical headache as they prepare for a must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against South Korea without their midfield lynchpin. The former national team head coach Augusto Palacios has weighed in on the situation, suggesting a bold reshuffle to maintain Bafana's attacking threat.
With a tough task ahead, Bafana Bafana sit at the bottom of Group A but face a bruised Asian side knowing only victory will do. Hugo Broos’ charges must go all out for maximum points, while also needing a favour elsewhere, hoping Czechia slips up against Mexico, to keep their World Cup knockout dreams alive.
The former Kaizer Chiefs star believes the national team has finally rediscovered its identity following a spirited comeback at the global showpiece. After a difficult opening to the tournament, the legend insists the performance against Czechia has restored national pride.
The Mzansi icon has heaped praise on an Orlando Pirates star following South Africa’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia. The former Kaizer Chiefs maestro was particularly impressed by the forward’s physical presence and intelligent hold-up play, highlighting his contribution alongside Relebohile Mofokeng, who also caught the eye with a standout performance on the international stage.
Bafana legend has outlined the two critical areas where South Africa must excel to secure a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia, the former defender believes Hugo Broos' side is finally learning how to handle the unique pressures of the global stage.
The Blues legend has not held back in his assessment of the Repre's World Cup stalemate against South Africa, claiming his nation was far too passive. The former shot-stopper believes that a failure to put Hugo Broos’ men to the sword after taking an early lead was the primary reason they dropped points in Atlanta.
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Mexico
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