Cape Town – “What a time to be South African.”
Those were the sentiments echoed across the country on Thursday morning as South Africans celebrated a historic achievement by Bafana Bafana, who qualified for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history.
From ordinary citizens to celebrities, influencers and political leaders, the country united in pride and excitement following the team’s memorable 1-0 victory over South Korea at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.
We did it! Dankie mzansi 🇿🇦🔥🔥🔥
Let’s focus on our next task at hand… #BafanaPride #BafanaBafana#FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/KFUQp6yAOS— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 25, 2026
The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when Cyprus-based winger Thapelo Maseko found the back of the net after a perfectly timed assist from Tshepang Moremi, sending South African fans into jubilation.
The achievement marks a major milestone for Bafana Bafana, a team that has experienced both triumph and heartbreak since South Africa’s return to international football in 1992. The national team famously won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 1996 and qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1998, 2002 and 2010. However, advancing beyond the group stages of the global showpiece had remained an elusive dream until now.
Social media was flooded with messages celebrating the historic breakthrough.
Rapper Cassper Nyovest could barely contain his excitement, writing on Instagram:
“Oh my GAWD!!! Can you believe it???? We are through to the round of 32!!! First time in history!!!! Thank you Coach!!! Thank you Maseko!!! Thank you boyz!!! The happiness!!! Kea groova this weekend!!! Friday I’m giving away R10 000 cash from Billiato!!”
View this post on Instagram
Award-winning DJ Oscar Mbo also joined the celebrations, posting:
“Just believe it!!!! God bless South Africa and its people.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated the team, praising their determination and discipline throughout the match.
Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on beating Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to make it to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Coach Hugo Broos, and scorer Thapelo Maseko opened the way for South Africa to progress to the group of 32 where an encounter with… pic.twitter.com/00USIPrYD2
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 25, 2026
“Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on beating Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to make it to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time. Coach Hugo Broos, and scorer Thapelo Maseko opened the way for South Africa to progress to the group of 32 where an encounter with tournament hosts Canada awaits.
“Bafana Bafana displayed an inspired team performance of discipline in defence and precision in their attack. We remain united and hopeful under our banner that declares ‘One Nation. One Dream. One Goal.’”
Across the country, scenes of celebration unfolded as supporters took to the streets in the early hours of the morning, waving South African flags, singing football chants and celebrating a moment many thought they might never witness.
Celebrations in Soweto after Bafana Bafana make history and advance to the group stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Credits: Calvin Dludla pic.twitter.com/HzTLrCJuY0
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 25, 2026
For millions of South Africans, the victory represents more than just football. It is a symbol of hope, unity and national pride, bringing together people from all backgrounds behind a common dream.
Bafana Bafana will now turn their attention to their next challenge, a highly anticipated clash against tournament hosts Canada, as they continue their remarkable World Cup journey.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Facebook/ Oscar Mbo
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
