Trevor Noah sums up how Mzansi feels after Bafana's World Cup loss
It's the end of the road for Bafana Bafana, but the team's historic World Cup campaign will not be forgotten.
South Africa's dream of reaching the FIFA World Cup's Round of 16 has come to a crashing end.
Bafana Bafana were knocked out of the tournament after a 1 - 0 defeat in their match against Canada on Sunday night.
South African comedian Trevor Noah sums up how Mzansi feels after Bafana's loss - disappointed but proud.
"Heartbreak. South Africa gave everything today. It hurts… but man, they made history. Proud of this team," he wrote on Instagram.
The 42-year-old has been tracking the team's World Cup performance on 'Trevor Noah's World Cup Watch Party'.
Noah watched Sunday's match live and was visibly saddened by Canada's stoppage-time goal, despite Bafana having 60% possession.
"I told you this would happen, bruh. Mxm, no man," he told his co-hosts. "Get the ball forward and shoot. 90th minute, game over now. Look now. Guys, we played so well."
READ: Game over? How to keep styling your Bafana Bafana jersey
A look back at Bafana Bafana's World Cup performance
Despite the loss, Bafana Bafana will leave the World Cup having made history.
South Africa qualified for the Round of 32 (knockout stage) for the first time in history. For one split second, South Africans allowed themselves to dream the impossible - winning the 2020 FIFA World Cup.
Win or lose, Mzansi is proud of Bafana. The team also gained scores of new soccer fans, with many praising the team's fighting spirit.
Here's a look back at their 2026 World Cup performance.
Group stages
South Africa VS Mexico
Bafana's World Cup got off to a rocky start after a loss to Mexico in the opening match. Not only did the game end in a 2-0 defeat, but Team Bafana also received two red cards. They didn't let the disappointment (or social media hate) get them down.
"Together, we can inspire our team to greater heights. South Africans are urged to rally behind our boys and cheer them on as they carry the hope of the nation," government spokesperson William Baloyi said.
“Wear your green and gold on Bafana Fridays and continue to stand united behind our national team throughout their FIFA World Cup journey."
South Africa VS Czechia
Bafana Bafana kept hope alive thanks to a 1 - 1 draw with Czechia. Both teams received mixed reviews from fans and soccer pundits. However, it was a solid performance.
South Africa VS South Korea
Bafana Bafana came back fighting in a do-or-die match against South Korea. Videos of the East Asian nation's intense training for the World Cup had Mzansi shook, but the boys pulled off a historic 1 - 0 win.
READ: Meet the KZN players eyeing World Cup glory with Bafana Bafana
Knockout stages
South Africa VS Canada
South Africa's final World Cup match had everyone on the edge of their seat. Bafana did exceptionally well, with captain Ronwen Williams making five crucial saves for the team. Alas, it was not meant to be for Bafana whose World Cup dream ended with a 1 - 0 defeat.
South Africa couldn't be prouder. This is the team that took us to the knockout stages for the first time after all!
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Image credit: Instagram/@trevornoah