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Rabat – Before Bafana Bafana’s Round of 32 clash against Canada, Broos had confidently looked ahead to a possible meeting with the Atlas Lions. “We will win that game and go further. I think that Morocco is already thinking… not again Bafana Bafana,” he enthused.
But after South Africa’s defeat to Canada ended their World Cup run, the Belgian coach returned to the Morocco angle once again.
“We had hoped to face Morocco in the Round of 16 because, in the past, we always managed to beat them. But after what happened against Canada, that dream is over,” Broos said after the match.
His remarks quickly drew attention among Moroccan fans, many of whom viewed them as another example of Broos’ recurring focus on Morocco.
The South Africa coach has developed a tense history with Moroccan football since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he repeatedly criticized Morocco’s organization of the tournament, its atmosphere, logistics, and fan culture.
At the time, Broos complained that the competition lacked the “AFCON vibe” he had experienced in previous editions, arguing that stadiums were not lively enough and that local engagement around matches was limited.
He also criticized travel arrangements and crowd management, particularly after South Africa’s camp was moved between host cities during the tournament.
Those remarks sparked pushback from Moroccan media and fans, as well as from South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who publicly distanced himself from Broos’ comments and praised Morocco’s facilities, stadiums, transport network, and overall organization.
‘Where is Broos’?
Broos’ criticism also resurfaced during the 2026 World Cup,when former Egypt star Mohamed Aboutrika questioned why the South African coach had been vocal about Morocco’s AFCON hosting but remained silent about logistical issues at the North American World Cup.
“Where is Hugo Broos, who was criticizing Morocco’s organization of the Africa Cup of Nations?” Aboutrika asked during a television appearance.
For Moroccan supporters, Broos’ latest comments added another layer to an already familiar pattern.
Rather than simply reflecting on South Africa’s elimination, the coach once again framed part of his World Cup disappointment around a missed opportunity to face Morocco.
South Africa’s campaign ended before that possible meeting could happen. Meanwhile, Morocco remains focused on its own knockout path as the Atlas Lions continue their bid to extend their World Cup run.
