The South African government has congratulated Bafana Bafana on an outstanding and historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, praising the national team for reaching new heights despite their tournament ending with a 1-0 defeat to Canada on Sunday night.
In a statement issued after the match, government expressed “immense pride” in the achievements of the players, coaching staff and technical team, describing their performances as a milestone for South African football.
“For the first time in South Africa’s history, Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, inspiring millions of South Africans and making the Southern African region proud,” the statement said.
Government commended the squad for displaying courage, resilience, discipline and unwavering commitment throughout the tournament, adding that the team’s performances proved South African football can compete confidently against the world’s best.
“Throughout the tournament, the players, coaches and technical team displayed courage, resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to representing the country with honour and distinction. Their performances demonstrated that South African football can compete confidently on the biggest stage in world football,” government said.
The statement also acknowledged the overwhelming support shown by South Africans throughout the World Cup, saying the nation united behind the team in a display of patriotism, hope and national pride.
“The overwhelming support shown by citizens across the country reflected the spirit of unity, patriotism, and hope inspired by Bafana Bafana,” the statement read.
Although South Africa’s World Cup journey has come to an end, government said the team’s achievements have left a lasting legacy and created a strong platform for future success.
“Although this marks the end of South Africa’s FIFA World Cup 2026 journey, Bafana Bafana has left an enduring legacy and laid a strong foundation for the future of South African football. The nation celebrates this historic achievement and looks forward with confidence to even greater success in the years ahead.”
Government concluded by thanking the national team for their remarkable efforts.
“Thank you, Bafana Bafana. You made South Africa proud!”
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