Bafana Bafana showed resilience at FIFA World Cup 2026, defying the odds after a bad start against Mexico and multiple suspensions to key players to qualify for the Round of 32.
We take a look at the five notable points from South Africa's World Cup campaign following the knockout stage against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Goalscoring woes
Bafana Bafana played four matches at the World Cup but only scored twice, with one of the goals coming from the penalty spot.
South Africa looked good on the ball throughout the tournament and especially in the final match against Canada but failed to create clear chances or to really test the goalkeeper with long range efforts.
The national team will have to improve in the attacking department if Bafana want to progress further in future competitions.
Okon, Mbokazi excellence
Bafana's most consistent players at the tournament without a doubt are young centre-backs Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 20, and Ime Okon, 22, who both played every minute of the nation's campaign at the FIFA World Cup.
Both players left the Premier Soccer League to play for teams abroad and have shown that they can compete among the World's best. Mbokazi has received rave reviews for his performances at the global showpiece while Okon has silently gone about his job with aplomb.
It won't be a surprise to see bigger teams in Europe knocking at the duo's door ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Lapses of concentration
Bafana Bafana will rue their inability to fully focus for the duration of the match, having conceded all their goals either at the beginning of a half or right at the death, as was the case in the 1-0 loss against Canada.
The incoming national team head coach will have to work hard to make the boys work towards playing with consistency throughout the full match to avoid lapses of concentration that led to unnecessary goals.
International football inexperience
South Africa's inexperience in the global stage was exposed, with most of the squad based in the Premier Soccer League and having less than 30 caps to their name.
VAR also exposed our frailty, as Themba Zwane would have probably gotten away with his red card offence in the PSL due to the country not having Video Assistant Referee available prior to the tournament.
Bafana will improve if more players move abroad and get used to the rigors of international football from an early age.
Bafana can compete with the best
The national team showed bravery and determination to rise against the odds after the disappointing loss against Mexico in the opening match and progress to the next round.
Bafana were able to find solutions despite the suspensions to key midfielders Themba Zwane, Sphephelo Sithole and Teboho Mokoena, which shows that the nation has a competitive pool of talent.
Youngsters like Relebohile Mofokeng showed that they will be ready to carry the nations hopes in the future, provided Hugo Broos successor does not dismantle everything that has been built already.
