Olwethu Makhanya and South Africa's 2026 FIFA World Cup run has come to a close with a loss to Canada in the opening match of the knockout round on Sunday afternoon.
While the Union's 22-year-old defender didn't feature in a match, he was part of soccer history for his country, as Bafana Bafana advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever.Â
South Africa's campaign began with 2-0 loss to Mexico in the opening match of the tournament in Mexico City, but they made a strong push for a spot in the Round of 32, drawing Czechia 1-1, then defeating South Korea 1-0. With a win, a draw, and a loss, South Africa moved onto the knockouts, but ultimately fell to Canada in stoppgage time after a hard fought battle with the host nation in Los Angeles.
