South Africa reaches World Cup knockout stage with 1-0 win over South Korea

South Africa's national team, Bafana Bafana, secured a historic 1‑0 victory over South Korea at the Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico, on 24 June 2026. The decisive goal came in the 62nd minute when Thapelo Maseko finished a precise pass from Tshepang Moremi. The win gave South Africa its first ever advancement to the World Cup knockout phase, finishing second in Group A behind hosts Mexico.

Earlier in the tournament South Africa suffered a 2‑0 opening defeat to Mexico and drew 0‑0 with the Czech Republic. Coach Hugo Broos called the achievement “historic,” while South Korea’s coach Hong Myung‑bo had controversially left Son Heung‑min out of the starting lineup. South Africa will meet co‑host Canada in Los Angeles in the round of 16.

Key match details: goal by Thapelo Maseko (62′), goalkeeper Ronwen Williams kept a clean sheet, and South Korea’s keeper Kim Seung‑gyu made several saves. The result marks a dramatic turnaround after the team was widely written off following the early loss to Mexico.