Hugo Broos Makes History As Bafana Bafana Beat South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Hugo Broos has written his name in the South African football history books after Bafana Bafana's win over South Korea
- The win against South Koreans in Monterrey secure a place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Bafana Bafana
- The Belgian tactician has shared his thoughts on making history with the current South African national team players
Belgian head coach Hugo Broos has made history by becoming the first coach to lead Bafana Bafana to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating South Korea in the early hours of Thursday morning.
South Africa lost their first match in the competition against Mexico last two weeks, and went on to draw against the Czech Republic, but claimed a 1-0 win over South Korea thanks to second half goal from Thapelo Maseko.
Bafana Bafana finished third in Group A with four points while Mexico led the way with nine points from three wins in a row.
Broos makes history with Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana would be playing in the knockout rounds of the World Cup finals for the first time in this edition, and it was under the managerial guidance of Broos.
The Belgian tactician has etched his name on the history books of South African football by being the first manager to achieve such feat and could further set a new record in Bafana Bafana's next game.
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The former Cameroon national team coach has done an amazing job with the South African men's national team since taking over the coaching role five years ago. He has led the team to back-to-back qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing third in the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast and now qualification for the Round of 32 at the global stage.
Broos reactions to Bafana Bafana's win
Broos paid tribute to his trailblazing Bafana Bafana squad after South Africa secured a historic victory over South Korea. Speaking to broadcasters after the final whistle, the Belgian tactician admitted that putting his emotions into words was not easy.
“It is an incredible feeling, but it is hard to describe exactly what it means,” said Broos.
“It was a very demanding match, yet we produced an excellent performance. We created opportunities, remained organised and executed our game plan well. South Korea struggled to find openings because we defended with great discipline while still posing a threat going forward.”
The former Club Brugge head coach also revealed the closing stages of the encounter were nerve-racking after Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike put South Africa ahead, while also shared what the achievement means for South African football.
“The final 20 minutes felt endless. My heart was racing and I was hoping for the referee to blow the final whistle as quickly as possible,” he said.
“This is a historic occasion. I am delighted for the players because what we have accomplished over the past five years has been remarkable.”
The Bafana Bafana head coach believes the strong bond within the squad has been key to their success and their relationship have gone beyond football.
“After spending five years together, you naturally build a special connection,” he explained.
“We have gone through so much as a group, with the coaching staff and players working side by side. The relationship has grown beyond football. They are not only players I coach but also friends, and that balance has created something very special.”
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
