South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has praised his players following their exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting they have every reason to be proud of what they achieved on the global stage.

Bafana Bafana's tournament came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday when they fell 1-0 to co-hosts Canada in a Round of 32 clash at the Los Angeles Stadium, conceding the decisive goal in stoppage time.

A landmark moment for South African football

Despite the painful manner of the defeat, Broos was emphatic that his squad should hold their heads high. South Africa had reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in the nation's history — a feat made all the more remarkable given it was their first appearance at the global finals since 2010.