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.
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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.
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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.
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