South Africa has made history by reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time, a milestone that many believe should have occurred sooner, especially since the country hosted the tournament in 2010.

When Siphiwe Tshabalala scored in the opening match against Mexico, his goal was hailed as a "goal for all of Africa." However, South Africa's journey ended prematurely as they were eliminated on goal difference despite a draw and a victory over France. This marked them as the first World Cup hosts to fail to progress from the group stage, leading to a missed opportunity.

Since 2010, domestic football in South Africa has struggled, as noted by sports journalist Mark Gleeson, who described it as "a little bit dormant." He pointed out that the excitement surrounding the 2010 tournament faded, compounded by an economic downturn, resulting in decreased sponsorship and financial support for the domestic game.

Despite these challenges, South Africa returned to the World Cup this year, having missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2012, 2017, and 2021. Recent years have seen a resurgence, with Mamelodi Sundowns winning the African Champions League twice, contributing to a revitalization of both the national team and local football.

Following the disappointment of failing to qualify for Afcon 2021, South Africa appointed Hugo Broos as head coach. The 74-year-old guided the team to a third-place finish at Afcon 2023 and secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup ahead of Nigeria. Despite facing criticism for a conservative strategy in their World Cup opener against Mexico, which ended in a 2-0 loss, Broos's leadership has been praised.

Ronwen Williams, the team captain, emphasized Broos's impact, stating, "He deserves a statue" for his unwavering belief in the team. Former captain Dean Furman also supported Broos's decision to revamp the squad, acknowledging the positive outcomes of his choices despite personal disappointment at being overlooked. The team's achievements reflect a significant turnaround, marking a potential new era for South African football.