South Africa reach knockout stage for first time with win over South Korea

South Africa (SA) secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their decisive Group A encounter here at Monterrey Stadium on Wednesday.

A second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko proved enough to seal victory and send Bafana Bafana into the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

South Africa, who had previously failed to progress beyond the group stage in their appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010, finished the group phase on four points.

The winning goal arrived in the 63rd minute when Maseko calmly fired a low shot into the bottom corner, breaking the deadlock in a tightly contested match.

South Africa will now face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.
South Korea, meanwhile, were left disappointed after beginning the match brightly.

The Koreans, who surprisingly started captain Son Heung-min on the bench, nearly took the lead within two minutes when Kim Min-jae’s header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba.

Lee Kang-in also came close shortly afterwards, firing over from inside the penalty area.

As the first half progressed, South Africa grew into the contest and almost opened the scoring in the 19th minute.

Maseko burst through on goal but was denied by a superb last-ditch challenge from Lee Gi-hyuk.

South Africa continued to threaten, forcing goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu into an excellent double save to deny Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa.

Although chances were limited after the interval, Maseko’s clinical finish ultimately secured a memorable victory and a place in the knockout rounds.

Found by a precise pass by Moremi, he shifted the ball onto his left before burying it in the bottom right-hand corner.