2026 FIFA World Cup | Group A | Thursday June 25, 2026
- South Africa 1-0 South Korea
- Mexico 3-0 Czechia
South Africa’s World Cup campaign came alive in Monterrey as Bafana Bafana beat South Korea 1-0 to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Needing victory to keep their hopes alive, South Africa produced a disciplined display at Estadio Monterrey to finish second in Group A and set up a Round of 32 clash against Canada.
After a tense first half ended goalless, 22-year-old Thapelo Maseko delivered the decisive moment in the 63rd minute.
The forward found space in the South Korean defence before calmly firing past goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to spark jubilant celebrations among the South African supporters.
South Korea enjoyed most of the possession, controlling nearly 70 per cent of the ball, but struggled to break down a resolute South African defence.
Aubrey Modiba made a crucial goal-line clearance early in the match, while Bafana Bafana remained compact throughout. South Korea, who surprisingly left captain Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up, introduced the star forward later in the game, but he could not inspire a comeback.
The victory sealed a historic passage to the knockout rounds for South Africa, who advanced as Group A runners-up behind Mexico.
Mexico secured top spot with a perfect record after beating Czechia 3-0 at Estadio Azteca. South Korea, meanwhile, must now wait on other results to learn whether they can still progress to the Round of 32.
