South Africa reach FIFA WC knockout stage for first time; Korea wait on third-place fate
Synopsis
South Africa have done what no Bafana Bafana side has ever done — reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage. A counter-attacking goal from 22-year-old substitute Thapelo Maseko, who became the second-youngest South African scorer in World Cup history, sealed a 1-0 win over Korea Republic in Monterrey. Korea now sweat on a third-place berth as South Africa prepare for a last-16 clash with Canada in Los Angeles on 29 June.
Key Takeaways
South Africa beat Korea Republic 1-0 in Monterrey on 25 June to advance to their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout stage .
Substitute Thapelo Maseko , aged 22 years and 225 days , scored the winner and became South Africa's second-youngest World Cup goalscorer .
Korea Republic must wait to see if their third-place finish is good enough to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams .
Korea coach Hong Myungbo introduced captain Son Heungmin after the break, but the tactical change failed to produce a goal.
South Africa will face Group B runners-up Canada in the round of 16 in Los Angeles on 29 June .
South Africa scripted history at the FIFA World Cup on 25 June, advancing to their first-ever knockout stage after substitute Thapelo Maseko netted a decisive second-half goal to edge out Korea Republic 1-0 in a tense Group A clash at Monterrey. The victory confirms Bafana Bafana as Group A runners-up, while Korea's fate now rests on whether they qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
How the Goal Arrived
South Africa dominated the early exchanges, with Maseko seeing a threatening counter-attack snuffed out by Korean defender Lee Gihyuk. Goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu then produced two fine saves — parrying a long-range effort from Thalente Mbatha and denying Evidence Makgopa from close range — to keep the scoreline level at the break.
The breakthrough came against the run of play. Substitute Teshpang Moremi collected possession on the left flank, beat his marker, and whipped a low ball across the face of the penalty area. Maseko controlled it on his left foot and slotted home at the near post to give South Africa the lead they would not relinquish.
Korea's Tactical Gamble Falls Short
Korea coach Hong Myungbo threw caution to the wind after the interval, making three substitutions including the introduction of captain Son Heungmin in a bid to turn the tide. However, as Korea pressed for an equaliser, it was South Africa who struck on the counter — a pattern that encapsulated the match's dynamic throughout.
Maseko's Historic Milestone
The goal elevated Maseko, aged 22 years and 225 days, to become the second-youngest goalscorer for South Africa in FIFA World Cup history. Speaking after the final whistle, Maseko was visibly emotional. 'It's unbelievable; it feels like a dream. Thank you to the fans; they gave it their all. This is for everyone who supported us but also for those who didn't. There were many people who didn't believe in us. We went through some rough patches. But this team showed that they are capable and strong,' he said.
What Comes Next
As Group A runners-up, South Africa will face Group B runners-up Canada in their round-of-16 fixture in Los Angeles on 29 June. Korea, meanwhile, must wait for results across other groups to learn whether their third-place finish is sufficient to carry them through — a nerve-wracking situation that could yet end their tournament.
This is the first time South Africa have reached the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup, marking a watershed moment for African football and for a squad that defied considerable pre-tournament scepticism.
Point of View
But the manner of victory — a counter-attacking goal against a Korea side that dominated possession after the break — reveals both Bafana Bafana's resilience and their structural limitations. Coach Hong Myungbo's decision to hold Son Heungmin back until the second half raises questions about Korea's tactical conservatism, particularly in a must-win scenario. For South Africa, the real test arrives in Los Angeles against Canada; a team capable of defending deep and striking on the break could yet surprise a stronger opponent. The broader story, however, is what this result means for African representation in the later stages of an expanded World Cup — and whether this squad can build on the moment rather than simply savour it.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Have South Africa ever reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage before?
No. The 25 June win over Korea Republic in Monterrey is the first time South Africa have advanced to the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup. They previously hosted the tournament in 2010 but were eliminated in the group stage.
Who scored South Africa's winning goal against Korea Republic?
Substitute Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal of the match, slotting home from inside the penalty area after a cross from Teshpang Moremi. The goal came against the run of play in the second half.
What is Thapelo Maseko's record at the FIFA World Cup?
Maseko, aged 22 years and 225 days at the time of the goal, became the second-youngest goalscorer for South Africa in FIFA World Cup history with his strike against Korea Republic.
What happens to Korea Republic after the Group A defeat?
Korea Republic finished third in Group A and must wait to see whether their points tally is sufficient to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all World Cup groups. Their progression is not guaranteed.
Who does South Africa play next and when?
South Africa, as Group A runners-up, will face Group B runners-up Canada in their round-of-16 match in Los Angeles on 29 June.
