Photo of Jade Rhode

FIFA president Gianni Infantino thanks Bafana for their participation

4 months By Jade Rhode

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, dedicated a post to the Bafana Bafana team after their World Cup elimination, thanking them for being a part of the international tournament.

South Africa’s national soccer team’s time in North America ended after a 1-0 defeat against Canada on Sunday, 28 June 2026, in Los Angeles, United States. The match was the first time Bafana Bafana entered the tournament’s knockout stage.

Also see: UEFA slams FIFA over Balogun ban reversal after alleged Trump call

Taking to his Instagram account on 3 July 2026, Infantino shared a series of images. Some showed the team members, while others included photos with the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association.

Sports superfan Mama Joy also made the cut.

After expressing gratitude, Infantino wrote in the caption, “Playing in the opening match of the @fifaworldcup and reaching your first-ever knockout stage made this an historic tournament for South African football. Your campaign gave your fans many reasons to celebrate and created unforgettable memories on football’s greatest stage.”

He concluded that it was a pleasure to have the country be a part of the FIFA World Cup, noting that their achievements would inspire future generations to dream bigger.

Bafana Bafana’s time at the FIFA World Cup

Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign will be remembered as one of the best in South African football history. With their last appearance at the tournament 16 years ago, head coach Hugo Broos’ side greatly exceeded many’s expectations.

While they lost their opening match to co-hosts Mexico, 2-0, and drew 1-1 with Czechia, thanks to Teboho Mokoena, their fighting spirit became evident when they beat South Korea 1-0, Thapelo Maseko’s redemption, ultimately securing their spot in the Round of 32.

Despite the narrow loss to Canada, the team competed strongly and left the tournament with their heads held high and praise from their supporters back home.

Also see: Siphiwe Tshabalala graduates through esteemed FIFA programme

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Inyosi’ sparks fresh discourse over overrepresented storylines

The announcement of Mzansi Magic’s upcoming drama series, Inyosi, has reignited a passionate online debate regarding cultural representation and narrative fatigue in South African television. Also see: Maglera Doe Boy set to premiere new short film this October While the show promises a compelling family-centred storyline, social media users have quickly taken to platforms like […]

Read more...
MZANSI MATTERS

Fort Hare fires Vice-Chancellor days before exit — Internet has questions

The University of Fort Hare’s leadership transition has attracted renewed attention following developments involving outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, whose resignation came while disciplinary proceedings against him were still underway. Also see: Sakhela Buhlungu resigns from Fort Hare post amid ongoing disciplinary proceedings The timing of his departure, the allegations against him and the appointment […]

Read more...