South Africa coach Hugo Broos says his team wanted to face Morocco at the 2026 World Cup before they were knocked out by Canada. Bafana Bafana lost 1-0 to the hosts in the round of 32. Broos admitted his players had been hoping for a last 16 clash with Morocco because South Africa have a good record against them.
“We had hoped to face Morocco in the Round of 16 because, in the past, we always managed to beat them. But after what happened against Canada, that dream is over.”
The Belgian said thinking about the next round before beating Canada was a mistake.
“Playing Morocco was something the whole team wanted. But we first had to get past Canada. We failed to do that, so facing Morocco or the Netherlands became nothing more than a dream.”
Broos also praised Canada, saying they have what it takes to trouble the bigger teams.
“Canada have enormous technical quality. Their pace, physical strength and winning mentality give them every chance of competing with the biggest teams. They could surprise Morocco or the Netherlands.”
His comments sparked debate among Moroccan fans because he has criticised Morocco before, including during the Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa have beaten Morocco in their last two competitive meetings. Bafana Bafana won 2-1 in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations last 16 and repeated the score in the group stage of the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast.
