MONTERREY, Mexico – South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds for the first time in their history, completing a remarkable turnaround after a disappointing opening defeat.

Bafana Bafana, playing in a World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, were widely written off after their 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico in the opening match.

However, they secured a draw against the Czech Republic before claiming the crucial victory over South Korea in what was effectively a shootout for second place in the group. Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike secured the historic win.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos said it was difficult to put his side’s achievement into words.

“We scored that goal, and it was 20 minutes of heartbeating and hoping that the game should be finished as soon as possible,” the Belgian coach said.

“So yes, we are in the second round. It’s historic. But I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve worked with them for five years. And what we did in those five years is amazing.”

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a surprise call by leaving captain Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up, despite the forward being considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player.

The Asian side started strongly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae’s powerful header blocked on the goalline by Aubrey Modiba before Lee Kang-in’s effort flashed wide.

South Africa quickly settled into the match, playing with hunger and adventure, though their finishing was wasteful.

They appeared certain to take the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot. But Makgopa could only poke the ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

Son came on at the start of the second half, one of three changes made by Hong as he sought to turn the match around.

Early in the second period, Maseko squandered another good position while South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.

As news filtered through from Mexico City that the host nation were leading against the Czech Republic, there was an added sense of urgency at the Estadio BBVA.

South Africa seized their moment when Tshepang Moremi crossed to Maseko, who this time kept his cool and fired home inside the near post in the 63rd minute.

South Korea pushed hard in the closing stages but ran out of time, meaning South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June.

Co-hosts Mexico topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches.

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