South Africa secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea on June 24, 2026, in Monterrey to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history [1, 2, 3, 4]. Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal, netting in the 63rd or 65th minute to clinch the win [1, 2, 4].
The win gave South Africa four points in Group A, sitting behind group leaders Mexico, who finished with a perfect nine points after a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on the same day in Mexico City [1, 5, 6, 7]. South Korea ended the group with three points, finishing third and facing uncertainty over knockout qualification depending on other group results [8, 1, 9].
Before this match, South Africa had drawn 1-1 with the Czech Republic on June 22, earning their first point of the tournament via a late penalty [10, 11, 8]. South Korea defeated the Czech Republic in their opening Group A game and held three points going into the final group match [10, 11, 8]. South Africa's progression marks their first time advancing beyond the group stage after previous World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002, and 2010 ended early [1].
South Africa coach Hugo Broos, 74, praised the tactical performance of his team, saying, "I think we played a very good game tactically. It was very good; everyone did their job... I'm very proud of the performance of my team" [3, 4]. Broos had stated before the match, "We have to win the game, we all know that. So, in one way, it's easy because you know you have to win" [11].
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo tried to keep star player Son Heung-min on the bench to exploit a potential drop in South Africa’s energy late in the match but said the plan did not succeed, "We thought that when the opponents had a lot of energy it would be better to use Son later in the game, when they started losing energy and there was more space" [9]. Prior to the match, Hong said, "It is a difficult match, and it's a very strong opponent for tomorrow. And I don't think that we can be complacent in thinking that we can just be satisfied with a draw" [8].
South Africa captain Ronwen Williams said the team used underdog status as motivation: "When I saw the publications posting potential teams to go at the group stage and we were given no chance, you know that fuels something inside of us" [4].
Mexico topped Group A after winning all three matches and will progress to face an opponent from the other side of the bracket [10, 5, 6, 7]. South Korea’s chances to qualify for the knockout phase now depend on results from other groups [8, 1, 9].
South Africa will face co-host Canada in the knockout stage in Los Angeles on June 28 [1].
