SOUTH Africa produced a landmark moment in their football history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in Monterrey, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea that sealed their passage to the last 32.
The result marks a remarkable turnaround for Bafana Bafana, who had been heavily criticised after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico in their opening group match.
However, Hugo Broos’ side recovered with resilience, first holding the Czech Republic before delivering a decisive performance in their final group fixture to secure qualification.
Their place in the last 32 also represents their first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds since returning to the global stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
AFP reported that the decisive moment came in the second half when Thapelo Maseko struck the winning goal from a well-worked move, punishing South Korea at a critical stage of the contest and sending South African supporters into celebration.
South Korea, meanwhile, were left stunned by the outcome, particularly after their head coach Hong Myung-bo made the bold decision to leave captain Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up.
The Asian side began brightly, with Kim Min-jae’s powerful header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Lee Kang-in narrowly missed the target in the early exchanges.
South Africa, however, grew into the contest and created several openings of their own, though they were initially let down by wasteful finishing, including a missed opportunity for Evidence Makgopa midway through the first half.
South Korea attempted to inject urgency after the break, introducing Son Heung-min among a series of attacking changes, but they were ultimately undone when Tshepang Moremi delivered a precise cross that Maseko converted in the 63rd minute past Kim Seung-gyu.
Hugo Broos admitted his emotions were difficult to contain after the final whistle, describing the closing stages as nervy and emotionally draining.
“After we scored that goal, the last 20 minutes were very tense. My heart was beating so fast and I was just hoping the final whistle would come as soon as possible,” he said.
“Yes, we are now in the second round and this is history. I am very happy for all the players. I have been coaching them for five years and what we have achieved over that period is something incredible,” added the Belgian coach.
South Korea pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing minutes, but South Africa held firm to secure a famous victory that confirmed their progression.
The defeat sealed South Korea’s elimination from the tournament, while South Africa will now travel to Los Angeles to face co-hosts Canada in the last 32 on June 28.
Elsewhere in the group, Mexico topped Group A with a perfect nine points from three matches. - June 25, 2026
