'We always beat them' — South Africa coach reveals his lost dream of facing Morocco
Belgian coach Hugo Broos revealed that his players had dreamed of facing Morocco in the Round of 32, but South Africa's defeat to Canada turned that dream into nothing more than a distant wish.
In surprising post-elimination comments, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos revealed that his squad had been dreaming of facing Morocco in the Round of 32 — a dream shattered by their 0-1 defeat to Canada.
Broos' Candid Admission
"We were looking forward to playing against Morocco, because in the past we always beat them. It was something we all wanted," said Hugo Broos, before adding ruefully: "But we had to beat Canada first, and we didn't do that. So playing against Morocco became just a dream."
Canada End the Dream
Bafana Bafana finished second in Group A behind Mexico, but fell to Canada (0-1) in the Round of 32, ending their hopes of a showdown with Morocco or the Netherlands at the next stage.
Broos Makes History Despite the Exit
Despite the disappointment, Hugo Broos, aged 74, made history by becoming the oldest coach ever to manage a team in the knockout stages of a World Cup — a personal milestone that will outlast the early exit.
A Complicated Relationship With Morocco
The relationship between Broos and Morocco has not always been smooth. Tensions surfaced during the last Africa Cup of Nations, making his comments about always wanting — and expecting — to beat Morocco all the more pointed.
Morocco March On
Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions continue their 2026 World Cup journey, facing the Netherlands in the Round of 32 and dreaming of surpassing their historic 2022 Qatar semi-final run — far beyond the reach of Broos' unfulfilled wishes.
