- South Africa vs South Korea: Bafana Bafana book their place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the very first time.
- Thapelo Maseko scored the solo goal in the second half, sealing a 1-0 victory and securing second spot in the group with four points.
- South Korea end up third in Group A and will now need favourable outcomes from other fixtures if they hope to sneak into the last 32.
South Africa stunned South Korea 1-0 on Thursday morning at Monterrey Stadium as they made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
Thapelo Maseko’s decisive second-half strike proved to be the difference in a hard-fought encounter, ensuring Bafana Bafana finished as runners-up in Group A with four points behind table-toppers and co-hosts Mexico.
For much of the match, Hugo Broos’ men dominated proceedings but squandered several clear-cut opportunities before their breakthrough arrived after the interval.
South Africa stun South Korea 1-0
The first major chance came in the opening half when Thalente Mbatha drifted in from the left and tested Kim Seung-gyu, who could only parry the ball into the path of Evidence Makgopa.
However, the Orlando Pirates forward fired the rebound straight at the South Korean goalkeeper from eight yards out.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with South Africa continuing to waste chances.
However, everything came to life in the 63rd minute when Tshepang Moremi worked the ball to Thapelo Maseko, who cut inside and thundered a shot into the bottom-right corner from 15 yards.
It was a magnificent counterattack from South Africa, sparked by a superb touch and a perfectly weighted through ball from Okon.
Moremi then delivered an excellent cross that found Maseko, who tucked his effort inside the near post beyond Kim. Wild celebrations erupted among the South African supporters in Monterrey.
South Korea pushed relentlessly for the equaliser they desperately needed, but Bafana Bafana’s resilient low block stood firm until the final whistle.
As the match ended, players from both sides dropped to their knees; some overwhelmed with relief and joy, others devastated after seeing qualification slip through their fingertips.
For South Africa, competing in their fourth World Cup and appearing on the global stage for the first time in 16 years, it was a historic achievement as they successfully advanced beyond the group stage.
South Africa vs South Korea FIFA World Cup Group A Lineups (June 25, 2026)
- South Africa starting lineup: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Yaya Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa.
- South Korea starting lineup: Kim Seung-Gyu, Lee Gi-Hyuk, Lee Han-Beom, Kim Min-Jae, Seol Young-Woo, Paik Seung-Ho, Lee Tae-Seok, Hwang In-Beom, Lee Kang-In, Oh Hyeon-Gyu, Hwang Hee-Chan.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026