South Africa produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, defeating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to reach the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history.
Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the second half as Bafana Bafana completed a remarkable turnaround after opening their campaign with a disappointing defeat.
The victory secured second place in Group A and set up a last 32 clash against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.
South Africa entered the tournament for the first time since hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Many observers wrote off their chances after a 2-0 defeat to group winners Mexico in the opening match.
However, a hard-fought draw against the Czech Republic kept their hopes alive before Tuesday’s winner-takes-all encounter with South Korea.
Maseko Delivers Historic Victory
South Korea coach Myung-Bo Hong made a surprise decision by leaving captain Son Heungmin out of the starting lineup.
The move shocked fans, with Son widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest footballers.
South Korea started brightly and nearly took the lead early in the match.
Stand-in captain Kim Minjae powered a header toward goal, but Aubrey Modiba cleared the effort off the line.
Lee Kangin also came close after firing narrowly wide.
South Africa gradually settled into the contest and began creating chances of their own.
Evidence Makgopa missed a golden opportunity in the 30th minute after goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot into his path.
The striker could only direct his close-range effort straight at the goalkeeper.
Coach Hong introduced Son Heungmin at the start of the second half as part of a triple substitution.
The Tottenham forward immediately injected urgency into South Korea’s attack.
Maseko initially wasted another promising chance, while South Korea striker Oh Hyeongyu forced a save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
As news arrived that Mexico had taken the lead against the Czech Republic in the other Group A match, both teams knew only victory would guarantee progression.
South Africa Makes History
South Africa seized the decisive moment in the 63rd minute.
Tshepang Moremi delivered a low cross into the penalty area, where Maseko kept his composure and fired inside the near post to spark celebrations among the South African supporters.
South Korea pushed forward desperately during the closing stages.
Despite sustained pressure, they failed to find an equaliser as South Africa defended resolutely to secure a famous victory.
The result sends Bafana Bafana into the knockout rounds for the first time since making their World Cup debut.
Mexico finished top of Group A with nine points after winning all three matches, including victory over the Czech Republic.
South Africa will now face tournament co-host Canada in Los Angeles, while South Korea exits the competition despite entering the tournament as one of Asia’s leading contenders.
For South Africa, the historic win marks another milestone in the country’s football journey and offers renewed hope of extending their memorable World Cup campaign.
