2026 World Cup: We shut down 'big mouths' with Round of 32 qualification - South Africa coach Hugo Broos

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos took aim at his side's critics after Bafana Bafana secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday.

The win in Monterrey ensured South Africa finished second in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico, who progressed with a perfect record of three wins from three matches.

Bafana Bafana had been widely dismissed after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening game.

However, they responded impressively, earning a draw against the Czech Republic before defeating South Korea in a decisive final group match to book their place in the Round of 32.

Thapelo Maseko proved to be the hero, scoring the only goal of the game in the second half to send South Africa into the knockout stage and spark celebrations among the team's supporters.

A visibly emotional Broos used the moment to respond to those who had questioned his methods and called for changes following the opening defeat.

"I'm very proud of the performance of my team, and I think we gave an answer to all those big mouths of the last weeks who thought that we had to change something," said a defiant Broos.

"We just did what we did. We just did what I wanted to do and this is the result."

The 74-year-old Belgian, who has been in charge of South Africa since 2021, described the achievement as one of the most special moments of his coaching career.

"I said it already in the past that it will probably be one of the last games of my career and when you can end a career like I had in this way, I think everybody or every coach dreams of it."

Broos also praised the strong bond he has built with his players, insisting that their close relationship has been key to the team's success.

"Between me as a coach and them as players is yes, maybe something unique – I'm the coach, but I'm not a coach," he said.

"I think I'm a friend of theirs. So the relationship between the players and me, this is very good."

South Africa's reward is a last-32 clash against fellow tournament co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.

Despite already making history, Broos believes his players are capable of achieving even more.

"I just know that the players will be ready again and try to achieve the third round," said Broos.

"It should be even more historic. But those players are chasing those things. Those players want to prove to everyone and to show that they are a good team. So we will see next Sunday if we can go further."