Bafana Bafana Make History: South Africa Stun South Korea to Reach World Cup Knockouts for the First Time
Bafana Bafana Make History: South Africa Stun South Korea to Reach World Cup Knockouts for the First Time
South Africa 1-0 South Korea — FIFA World Cup 2026, Group A
24 June 2026, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico
South Africa have done something they've never managed before. A second-half goal from Thapelo Maseko was enough to beat South Korea 1-0 and send Bafana Bafana through to the World Cup knockouts for the first time ever.
The win lifts South Africa into second place in Group A on four points, with Mexico topping the group on a perfect nine. South Korea finish on three points and are out of the running for top spot, though they could still scrape through depending on how other results fall.
How the match went
It wasn't pretty early on. South Africa started well but couldn't find the finish, with Maseko missing two decent chances in the first half. South Korea had more of the ball but didn't do much with it, and the teams went in level at the break.
The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute. Tshepang Moremi whipped in a sharp cross from the right, Maseko cut inside his marker, and slotted a cool left-footed finish through a defender's legs and into the bottom corner. Not bad for a 22-year-old on the biggest stage of his career.
From there, South Africa shut up shop. South Korea had spells of pressure but couldn't carve out a real opening, and Bafana's defence — and their goalkeeper — held firm until the final whistle.
Star men
- Thapelo Maseko walked away with Man of the Match honours. The winning goal will go down as one of the great moments in South African football history.
- Tshepang Moremi set it up with a lovely delivery.
- Hugo Broos, the South Africa coach, got plenty of credit for keeping his side organised and fighting after a rocky start to the tournament.
- South Korea's attack, Son Heung-min included, never really got going against a well-drilled South African defence.
By the numbers
South Korea had more possession on the night, and the underlying numbers suggest they created the better chances overall. But South Africa were sharper when it mattered, and their defensive shape and threat on the counter won them the game.
It's a proper turnaround story. South Africa lost their opener and picked up a red card along the way, yet they've battled back to make history. In three previous World Cup appearances — 1998, 2002 and 2010 — they'd never got past the group stage. That run is over.
What's next
South Africa now face Canada in the Round of 32. Wild scenes back home, and among the fans inside the stadium — this is a night Bafana Bafana won't forget.
The bottom line: A tough, gritty win that will be remembered for years. Maseko's goal wasn't just a goal — it was history.
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