South Africa's Stars After 2026 World Cup Elimination
South Africa's national football team made history at the 2026 World Cup, but their journey ended in elimination. The team earned a place in the knockout rounds of the tournament, competing in Group A against Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Korea.
What happened?
During the group stage, South Africa lost their opening match to Mexico before securing a 1-1 draw against Czechia. A 1-0 victory over South Korea confirmed South Africa's progression to the knockout phase. Teboho Mokoena scored the equalizer against Czechia to keep the team in contention. However, Canada scored the winning goal in the 90th minute of the Round of 32 match to eliminate South Africa.
Why it matters for South Africa
South Africa's achievement at the 2026 World Cup is a significant milestone for the team and its players. The team and its players achieved their furthest progression at a World Cup tournament.
What comes next?
So what's next for the players who led South Africa to its first knockout stage appearance? Lyle Foster, a forward who plays club football in England for Burnley, was selected for the 26-man World Cup squad and made one appearance during the tournament. Thapelo Maseko, another forward, scored the winning goal against South Korea in the final match of the group stage to secure South Africa's advancement to the knockout rounds. He plays club football for Cypriot side AEL Limassol. Ronwen Williams, the team's goalkeeper, captained South Africa throughout the tournament and started all four matches in goal. He plays club football for Mamelodi Sundowns, where eight of his teammates on the national team also apply their trade. Olwethu Makhanya, a defender, played all 90 minutes in all four matches for South Africa during the tournament. The 24-year-old center back has played club football in Major League Soccer for the Philadelphia Union since 2023.
As of 30 July 2026, South Africa's league standing is 2nd in the World Cup with 4 points, 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss from 3 games. Their recent form is LWDL. They are 5 points behind leaders Mexico in the title race. Their last result was a 0-1 loss to Canada on 28 June 2026. Their recent form over the last 5 games is 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses (LWDDL).
