South Africa beats South Korea to reach the 2026 World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

In the final Group A match in Mexico, a second‑half goal from Thapelo Maseko secured a 1‑0 victory for Bafana Bafana over South Korea.

The result puts South Africa into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since their debut in 1998.

Hugo Broos’s side finished second in the group, behind co‑hosts Mexico, who defeated the Czech Republic 3‑0 in the other match.

South Africa will meet Canada in the round of 32 on June 28.

South Korea began strongly, earning an early corner, but South Africa defended the set‑piece effectively.

In the sixth minute, Relebohile Mofokeng produced a powerful left‑footed volley that deflected behind the line, creating a corner for Hugo Broos’s team.

Two minutes later, Kang‑in Lee posed a threat for South Korea, narrowly missing the target after a dangerous attack.

In the 13th minute, Evidence Makgopa rose highest inside the penalty area, but his free header missed the target, keeping Bafana Bafana from taking the lead.

Five minutes later, Thapelo Maseko was on the verge of scoring after a swift counter‑attack, but Lee Gi‑hyuk delivered a superb block to deny the winger.

The opportunities continued. In the 30th minute, Maseko surged forward and set up Thalente Mbatha, whose left‑footed shot slipped past the goalkeeper. Makgopa reacted quickest to the rebound, but his shot went straight at Kim Min‑jae.

Maseko had another golden chance in the 38th minute, but he lifted his shot over the crossbar,