Bafana Bafana Discover Round of 32 Opponents After Beating South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

• South Africa's next opponents in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed after a historic win over South Korea
• Bafana Bafana players and Hugo Broos made history as South Africa made it out of the group stage of the World Cup for the first time
• South Africans have shared their views on Bafana Bafana's Round of 32 opponent on social media, while also trolling other African countries

Bafana Bafana players have etched their names into the history books by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages, which is happening for the first time in South African football history, thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final Group A encounter.

On-loan Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Thapelo Maseko proved to be the difference-maker, netting the only goal of the match at Estadio Monterrey in the early hours of Thursday morning.

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In the group’s other fixture, Mexico secured a convincing 3-0 win over the Czech Republic, allowing the tournament co-hosts to finish at the summit of Group A with a perfect nine-point haul. South Africa claimed second place with four points.

Bafana Bafana's Round of 32 opponents

Bafana Bafana will now shift their focus to a Round of 32 showdown against Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Los Angeles Stadium in the United States of America.

Meanwhile, South Korea remain on three points and must wait to see whether their tally is enough to earn a place among the competition’s eight best third-placed sides.

The game against Canada will be the second time in the tournament that Broos’ men come up against one of the host nations. Their first experience ended in disappointment, as South Africa began their World Cup journey with a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico.

South Africans react ahead of facing Canada

South Africans have taken to social media to share their different opinions while also trolling others ahead of their mouthwatering clash against Canada.

Ake Rate Pie-Rats shared:

"We are facing Canada in the next round. Nigeria will be facing reality.😞"

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Thapelo Maloba commented:

"No fear! Boys, we're never approaching a game the way we did against Mexico again."

Willie Phiri said:

"There is a chance to progress if they maintain the same fighting spirit. They looked solid and more organised against South Korea."

John Mashele reacted:

"Yes, we will come back home, but not soon. Wait a minute, let us first make sure we give Nigerians more chest pains."

Luzuko Mhlambiso wrote:

"You'd better give us France or Spain combined if you want to send us home, not these weak nations."

Conso Baloyi added:

"Canada is not a big team, and they won't be home; they will regret qualifying for the next round."

Bafana Bafana star ranked among the best

Briefly News earlier reported that a Bafana Bafana star was ranked among the best performers at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup despite South Africa's poor performance.

The South African international has showcased his football talent on the global stage, even as the team struggled in the group stage.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News