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Teboho Mokoena Weeps During National Anthem as South Africa Prepares for Final World Cup Group Match
Teboho Mokoena’s tear‑filled face appeared on screen as the South African anthem swelled minutes before Bafana Bafana’s 1‑1 draw with the Czech Republic on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The 29‑year‑old midfielder, who struck a late penalty to seal the equaliser, was visibly moved in a clip that quickly went viral.
The match at Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium ended in a single point for the hosts. Mokoena’s penalty, described by commentators as a “pristine” kick, proved to be South Africa’s only goal in a 90‑minute contest. The Czech Republic held on for a draw, leaving the Bafana Bafana with a goal difference of –2.
In a recent interview with Farpost, Mokoena said he was moved by the emotional weight of representing his country. He added that the anthem “reminded him of the responsibility he carries on the world stage.” The close‑up of his tears was shared widely, with fans commenting, “Seeing this makes the goal even more special” and “God heard you, my boy.”
South Africa’s next and final group‑stage match is against South Korea on Thursday, June 25, at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. The game, scheduled for the evening local time, will decide whether the team can advance to the knockout round. With one point from two matches, the Bafana Bafana must win to reach four points, which could place them in the top two or qualify as one of the best third‑placed teams.
A draw against South Korea would leave South Africa short of the points needed to progress, while a loss would end their World Cup campaign. The result of Mexico’s match against South Korea also influences South Africa’s chances, as a Mexican win could tighten the group.
Mokoena will miss the match against South Korea after receiving a second yellow card in the Czech Republic game. The South African Football Association confirmed that he will be suspended for the next fixture. Yaya Sithole, who was on the bench for the Czech Republic match, will return to the starting lineup.
South Africa’s 2026 World Cup appearance marks their first qualification since 2002. The team, nicknamed Bafana Bafana, has previously competed in 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010. They have yet to reach the knockout stage in any of those tournaments.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to feature 48 teams. It is jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with matches played in 16 cities. Group A, which includes Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic, runs from June 11 to June 24.
South Africa’s performance against the Czech Republic was a key moment for the squad. The penalty goal, scored in the 80th minute, was the only goal for the team in the tournament and kept them in contention for a place in the Round of 32.
The emotional anthem clip and the subsequent penalty highlight the high stakes for Bafana Bafana. The team’s coach has not yet issued a statement on the upcoming match, but the squad’s focus remains on securing a win against South Korea.
The match against South Korea will be played at Estadio BBVA, a venue that hosted several Group A games. The stadium’s capacity is 35,000, and it has been a venue for international fixtures since 2015.
South Africa’s fans are watching closely as the team seeks to make history by advancing beyond the group stage. The outcome of the June 25 match will determine whether the team continues in the tournament or exits after three games.
The World Cup’s final group matches will conclude on June 24, after which the top teams will advance to the Round of 32. South Africa’s next opponent, South Korea, will be looking to secure a win to improve their standing in the group.
The emotional moment captured in the anthem, combined with the penalty that kept South Africa in the running, underscores the intensity of the 2026 World Cup for Bafana Bafana and their supporters.
The match at Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium ended in a single point for the hosts. Mokoena’s penalty, described by commentators as a “pristine” kick, proved to be South Africa’s only goal in a 90‑minute contest. The Czech Republic held on for a draw, leaving the Bafana Bafana with a goal difference of –2.
In a recent interview with Farpost, Mokoena said he was moved by the emotional weight of representing his country. He added that the anthem “reminded him of the responsibility he carries on the world stage.” The close‑up of his tears was shared widely, with fans commenting, “Seeing this makes the goal even more special” and “God heard you, my boy.”
South Africa’s next and final group‑stage match is against South Korea on Thursday, June 25, at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. The game, scheduled for the evening local time, will decide whether the team can advance to the knockout round. With one point from two matches, the Bafana Bafana must win to reach four points, which could place them in the top two or qualify as one of the best third‑placed teams.
A draw against South Korea would leave South Africa short of the points needed to progress, while a loss would end their World Cup campaign. The result of Mexico’s match against South Korea also influences South Africa’s chances, as a Mexican win could tighten the group.
Mokoena will miss the match against South Korea after receiving a second yellow card in the Czech Republic game. The South African Football Association confirmed that he will be suspended for the next fixture. Yaya Sithole, who was on the bench for the Czech Republic match, will return to the starting lineup.
South Africa’s 2026 World Cup appearance marks their first qualification since 2002. The team, nicknamed Bafana Bafana, has previously competed in 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010. They have yet to reach the knockout stage in any of those tournaments.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to feature 48 teams. It is jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with matches played in 16 cities. Group A, which includes Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic, runs from June 11 to June 24.
South Africa’s performance against the Czech Republic was a key moment for the squad. The penalty goal, scored in the 80th minute, was the only goal for the team in the tournament and kept them in contention for a place in the Round of 32.
The emotional anthem clip and the subsequent penalty highlight the high stakes for Bafana Bafana. The team’s coach has not yet issued a statement on the upcoming match, but the squad’s focus remains on securing a win against South Korea.
The match against South Korea will be played at Estadio BBVA, a venue that hosted several Group A games. The stadium’s capacity is 35,000, and it has been a venue for international fixtures since 2015.
South Africa’s fans are watching closely as the team seeks to make history by advancing beyond the group stage. The outcome of the June 25 match will determine whether the team continues in the tournament or exits after three games.
The World Cup’s final group matches will conclude on June 24, after which the top teams will advance to the Round of 32. South Africa’s next opponent, South Korea, will be looking to secure a win to improve their standing in the group.
The emotional moment captured in the anthem, combined with the penalty that kept South Africa in the running, underscores the intensity of the 2026 World Cup for Bafana Bafana and their supporters.
