Thapelo Maseko was the hero as South Africa reached the round of 32 for the first time after a victory over South Korea in Monterrey, Yankee Scores reports.
The win made South Africa climb to second in the table with four points while South Korea with three points will hope to reach the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed sides.
A defeat, a draw, a win – the journey of Bafana Bafana in Group A that sees them end on 4 points, 2nd behind co-hosts Mexico.
South Africa make history by advancing to the Round of 32 at a FIFA World Cup for the first time ever#BafanaPride#BafanaBafana#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/DFgCXYOeLd— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 25, 2026
They will take on Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday at 20:00 BST in the last 32.
South Africa set a low block, making it difficult for South Korea to penetrate.
Maseko produced the magic moment in the 62nd minute. The South African had the ball on his left, moved to the left to create space, and smashed a low effort into the bottom left corner.
That came after the biggest moments of jubilation inside the stadium from green-clad Mexico fans watching on as neutrals as they celebrated their side’s goals against the Czech Republic.
South Korea had the majority of possession, but it was the African side, which was tricky to deal with on counterattacks, that created the best opportunities and deserved their goal.
South Korea rarely troubled South Africa, with Oh Hyeon-gyu’s tame header and an early effort from Lee Kang-in among their few openings.
South Africa, who had not qualified for a World Cup since hosting it in 2010 before this summer, have finished third in every other World Cup group stage they have played in.
