Broos revels as South Africa clinches 1-0 World Cup win

Belgian coach Hugo Broos expressed delight after South Africa secured a 1‑0 victory over South Korea to reach the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, with Thapelo Maseko scoring the decisive goal in the 63rd minute. The win marks the nation's first knockout appearance since 2010. Broos is rapidly becoming an icon in South Africa after guiding the Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and ending a 16‑year World Cup absence. The Belgian manager has overseen the team's qualification for the 2026 tournament. South Africa defeated South Korea 1‑0 in their third group match, with Thapelo Maseko of AEL Limassol netting the only goal at the 63rd minute. Despite South Korea dominating possession at 69 % to South Africa's 31 %, the Bafana Bafana broke through. At the final whistle, Broos fell to his knees, displaying extreme joy. At 74 years old, he became the oldest manager to qualify for a World Cup knockout stage, a record that Dick Advocaat, now 78, could still challenge with Curaçao.

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"We started this adventure five years ago. We received a lot of criticism in Africa. Many did not understand what I was doing until the results arrived. I have always believed in this group, even in the last weeks when the criticism was particularly strong," Broos said, reflecting on the journey. "It is difficult to put words on what I feel," Broos told . "After our goal, I lived twenty minutes with a very high heart rate. The boys fought with enormous courage, and the relationship between the players and me is perhaps unique."

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"I have already said several times that these are probably my last matches as a coach. This will certainly be my last World Cup; I will be 78 at the next one, which is no longer an age to sit on the bench. These moments of stress are not good for health," Broos added. South Africa, as Group A runners‑up, will meet Canada, the second‑placed side from Group B, in the round of 16. The kickoff is scheduled for Sunday evening at 21:00.