Thapelo Maseko scored the goal that sent South Africa into the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time. South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A match to finish second behind Mexico.
Maseko scored in the 63rd minute after Tshepang Moremi set him up inside the penalty area. The result gave South Africa four points from three matches and secured a Round of 32 meeting with Canada.
South Africa make history
South Africa had never reached the knockout stage in their previous World Cup appearances. The team exited in the group stage in 1998, 2002 and 2010, when it hosted the tournament.
The win over South Korea changed that record. Bafana Bafana finished above South Korea and Czechia in Group A after drawing 1-1 with Czechia and losing 2-0 to Mexico in their opening two matches. Mexico won the group after beating Czechia 3-0 in the other final Group A match. South Africa took second place with four points, while South Korea finished third on three points.
Maseko scores after break
The match was level at half-time after both teams created chances without scoring. South Africa had a good opening through Evidence Makgopa, but South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made an important save.
South Korea had more possession for long periods but struggled to create clear chances. Son Heung-min started on the bench, and the team lacked a finish in the final third.
South Africa took control after the break. Moremi carried the ball forward and found Maseko, who placed his shot into the bottom corner.
South Korea wait on other results
South Korea needed at least a draw to secure second place in the group. The defeat left the team dependent on other results to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed sides.
The team pushed for an equaliser in the final minutes but could not break through. South Africa defended well around the box and cleared several late crosses.
South Korea’s loss ended its chance of qualifying automatically. The team must wait for the final group matches to learn whether three points are enough to progress.
Canada wait in Round of 32
South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28. Canada finished second in Group B and will meet a South African side playing beyond the group stage for the first time. The match will be South Africa’s first World Cup knockout tie. Maseko’s goal against South Korea gave the team a place in the next round.
