Thalente Mbatha of South Africa challenges Richie Laryea of Canada during their Fifa World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at the Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Photo: BackpagePix
Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup fairytale run came to a crushing end after they were beaten by co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday night.
Bafana lost their grip on the match deep in stoppage time when Canada’s midfield anchorman, Stephen Eustáquio, blasted a loose ball inside the box past Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams. The strike sent Canada through with a 1-0 win and to a historic, record-extending last 16 clash against either the Netherlands or Morocco.
South Africa had already etched their names into the history books just by reaching the knockout stage of the competition. However, they will still feel deeply hard done by the defeat, missing out on a golden opportunity to make even more history under coach Hugo Broos.
The Belgian tactician remained slumped in his dugout chair after the final whistle. The goal likely marked his final game in charge of Bafana, capping off an impressive five-year spell during which he guided the team through 60 matches.
