South Africa head coach Hugo Broos believes Canada have the quality to spring another surprise at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after watching the co-hosts eliminate Bafana Bafana with a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Stephen Eustáquio’s strike deep into added time secured a 1-0 victory for Canada in the Round of 32, ending South Africa’s historic World Cup campaign while sending Jesse Marsch’s side into the last 16.
Speaking after the defeat, Broos admitted his side had hoped for a potential meeting with Morocco in the next round but insisted Canada have every chance of progressing even further in the tournament.
“We were looking forward to play against Morocco because in the past it was always a game that we won,” Broos said.
“But first you had to beat Canada and we didn’t do it today. So it stays only a dream to play in the third round against Morocco or Holland.”
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When asked how he expects Canada to fare against either the Netherlands or Morocco, the veteran Belgian offered an emphatic endorsement of the tournament co-hosts.
“I think they have a chance because they play good football,” he said.
“They are powerful. There is speed in the team. So it’s a rather modern team.
“With the mentality that is in that team, they can make a surprise in the next round certainly.”
Broos repeatedly highlighted Canada’s physical superiority throughout his post-match assessment, arguing that the difference in speed, power and intensity ultimately decided the contest.
The 74-year-old admitted South Africa struggled to match Canada’s athleticism, describing those qualities as the defining characteristics of the North American side.
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Canada now advance to the Round of 16 full of confidence after claiming their first ever FIFA World Cup knockout victory, with a showdown against either the Netherlands or Morocco awaiting as they continue their dream run on home soil.
