After a remarkable comeback from a deflating opening game loss to hosts Mexico, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has expressed his confidence in South Africa’s ability to go beyond the Round of 32 in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsBafana Bafana created history after finishing second in Group A to qualify for the Round of 32, a feat that marked the first time in history for the Southern African nation to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.Veteran defender parts ways with APS Bomet after top-flight survival, eyes fresh challengeA 63rd-minute goal by 22-year-old Thapelo Maseko was all that the Hugo Broos-coached side needed to secure a 1-0 win over South Korea on Thursday, 25 June at the Estadio BBVA.With a Round of 32 clash against co-hosts Canada, who equally finished second in Group B, the former Bafana Bafana striker fancies the possibility of the team competing at least in the Round of 16.##NAJAVA_MECA_9823515##“They (South Africa) are the generation to go one step ahead, and from the look of things, you could not have asked for a better team to get yourself in the Last 16 than Canada. We have waited this long to participate in a World Cup and it looks like this is going to be the most record-breaking,” McCarthy told Sporty TV.AFC Leopards vice captain reveals how verbal promise cost him hundreds of thousands in sign-on feeThe Bafana Bafana all-time leading goalscorer expressed his delight after the team got over the line, having garnered four points, a similar tally that the 2002 and 2010 squads collected but could not go past the group stage.“Four or three of us have been in that situation. So close, we thought we are going through but then by the skin of your teeth it is ripped away and now, I am so pleased for these guys,” he added.##NAJAVA_MECA_9821783##Ahead of their Round of 32 clash scheduled for Sunday, 28 June at the Sofi Stadium in California, South Africa will be hoping to replicate the results of their friendly match against Canada in November 2007 where they bagged a 2-0 win.
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