South Africa’s journey at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has already lasted longer than most people expected. And they are not done.
Bafana Bafana are on their way to Los Angeles for their second-round match against Canada.
They are high in confidence following victory over South Korea, ranked 28th in the world, and progression to the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time ever.
Hugo Broos and his men made a brief, overnight stop in Pachuca following their stunning one-nil victory over South Korea.
This is where they were based since early this month. The purpose of the visit – to recover in the gym, collect their belongings and thank the people of Pachuca for their hospitality before heading to Los Angeles for the knockout stage.
The team’s unofficial mascot, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, is ever present and praised Bafana Bafana on the milestone achieved.
“You are history makers, and remember what I said to you? I said to you it is better to be underestimated, it’s a gift because people didn’t think you would go this far, now you have made South Africa happy,” he said.
Although they are ardent Mexican supporters, residents of Pachuca shared in South Africa’s joy and admiration of Bafana for advancing to the second round of a World Cup for the first time ever… And they were sad to say their farewells.
“Historic moment, we are proud of this, thank you for coming, thank you for trust and thank you for qualifying Bafana Bafana,” said Humberto Gandara, Facilities Manager at the Pachuca training ground.
Los Angeles is the next stop where Bafana can add another chapter to this fairytale.
Their next opponents – co-hosts Canada – a team ranked 30th in the world, 30 places higher than Bafana. But after their win over South Korea on Thursday, they now believe that the sky is the limit.
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