South Africa are determined to build on a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run after reaching the Round of 32 for the first time, and Tshepang Moremi says Bafana Bafana’s mindset is the key to going further. With Hugo Broos’ side arriving at Monterrey Stadium for their last Group A match, the pressure could hardly have been greater: they were bottom of the table after two games with only one point, and only a win would keep their tournament alive.
South Africa withstood an early surge from Korea Republic before gradually taking control. As the match settled, they began to threaten on the break with sharper, more dangerous transitions. The breakthrough arrived when Moremi, introduced from the bench, drove down the left and delivered a low ball into the area. Thapelo Maseko met it with excellent control and then finished with a stunning strike to seal a landmark 1-0 victory.
After the win, Moremi expressed his pride in the moment, telling FIFA: “I feel incredibly proud and blessed. We’ve made history. It wasn’t easy, but I’m thrilled we pulled it off. Our focus now turns to winning the next match: we know we can do it.”
Relebohile Mofokeng shared the same sense of momentum following another strong display in Monterrey.
“We will fight to go as far as possible,” Mofokeng said. “We truly believe in our ability to achieve this; we will trust in God and give everything we have to get where we want to be.”
South Africa’s journey to this stage had not been smooth. Their campaign began with a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico, leaving them on the back foot. However, they responded by securing a crucial late point against Czechia before raising their level in the match against Korea Republic. Mofokeng outlined how the team improved through the group phase and turned their fortunes around in the final round of fixtures.
“International football is the pinnacle, and as a national team player, you have to evolve constantly,” he said. “Continuous improvement is essential, both as a player and as a person.”
“You must learn from past mistakes to sharpen up for the next match; failing to do so only leads to defeat. We grew into the tournament game by game, and that is what matters most in football.”
South Africa’s wider football ambition has risen sharply in recent years. Winning bronze at the 2024 CAF Africa Cup of Nations provided a major boost, representing their first continental podium finish since lifting the trophy in 1996 and finishing runners-up in 1998. Mofokeng pointed to how that achievement has helped energise the current group of Bafana Bafana players.
That renewed belief has also driven the national team’s return to the global spotlight after a 12-year absence, as they qualified for the biggest edition of the World Cup. The turnaround has not been limited to the national team, with South African sides performing strongly across continental competitions: Mamelodi Sundowns finished runners-up in the 2025 CAF Champions League, before winning the 2026 title just weeks ahead of this World Cup.
“South African football is evolving season after season,” Mofokeng said. “This generation is truly incredible. I believe I am playing alongside some of the best players in the world; their performances are outstanding, and the majority of us play domestically.
“We are doing well for our country, and we must keep fighting for it, because if you don’t fight, no one else will do it for you. We just need to keep working hard to elevate our nation on the global football map.”
