South Africa Reaches FIFA World Cup Knockouts for First Time Ever

South Africa secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their decisive Group A match at Monterrey Stadium.

A second-half goal from Thapelo Maseko was enough to send Bafana Bafana into the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

South Africa, which had previously failed to move beyond the group stage in 1998, 2002 and 2010, finished the group phase with four points.

The winning goal came in the 63rd minute. Maseko received a precise pass from Moremi, shifted the ball onto his left foot and fired a low shot into the bottom right corner.

South Africa will now face co-host Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.

South Korea were left disappointed after making a strong start to the match. Captain Son Heung-min surprisingly started on the bench, but the Koreans nearly took the lead inside two minutes when Kim Min-jae’s header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba.

Lee Kang-in also came close shortly afterward, but his effort from inside the penalty area went over the bar.

South Africa grew into the match as the first half continued and almost opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Maseko broke through on goal but was stopped by a strong last-ditch challenge from Lee Gi-hyuk.

Bafana Bafana continued to create chances before halftime, forcing goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu into an excellent double save to deny Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa.

Chances were limited after the break, but Maseko’s clinical finish proved decisive. His goal sealed a memorable victory and confirmed South Africa’s place in the knockout rounds.