According to the National Happiness Index, the country's happiness score stood at 7.1 following Bafana Bafana's qualification to the knock out stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Director for Well-being, AI and Social Impact at the University of Johannesburg, Professor Talita Greyling says this level of national happiness is comparable to the country's highest levels reported during the Springboks' Rugby World victory and other major national public holidays. It is also substantially higher that South Africa's long-run average daily happiness of 5.8, highlighting teh remarkable emotional impact that major sporting achievements can have on an entire nation. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Professor Greyling, Director for Well-being, AI and Social Impact at the University of Johannesburg