South Africa beat South Korea to reach first-ever World Cup knockout stage

South Africa secured a historic 1-0 victory over South Korea to advance to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in the nation's history, completing a remarkable turnaround after a disappointing defeat in their opening match.

Bafana Bafana, appearing at the tournament for the first time since South Africa hosted the competition in 2010, had been largely dismissed following a 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico.

However, they responded with a hard-fought draw against the Czech Republic before prevailing in what was effectively a decisive battle with South Korea for second place in the group in Monterrey. Thapelo Maseko’s second-half goal proved the difference.

South Korea head coach Myung-Bo Hong made a surprising decision ahead of the match, leaving captain Son Heungmin—widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest footballers—out of the starting lineup.

The Asian side began brightly, creating early opportunities. Stand-in captain Kim Minjae saw his powerful header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Lee Kangin narrowly missed the target soon after.

South Africa gradually found their rhythm, showing determination and attacking intent, but struggled to convert their chances.

Their best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu parried a shot from Thalente Mbatha.

Yet Makgopa failed to capitalize, directing a weak effort straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

Seeking to alter the course of the match, Hong introduced Son at the start of the second half as part of a triple substitution.

Early after the restart, Maseko wasted a promising chance, while South Korea striker Oh Hyeongyu forced a save from South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the opposite end.

The stakes grew even higher as reports emerged from Mexico City that the hosts were leading the Czech Republic, increasing the urgency for both teams.

South Africa eventually made their breakthrough in the 63rd minute. Tshepang Moremi delivered a cross to Maseko, who remained composed and fired a shot inside the near post to give his side the lead.

South Korea pressed relentlessly in search of an equalizer during the closing stages but were unable to find a way through, confirming South Africa’s place in the knockout phase, where they will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.

Mexico finished top of Group A with a perfect nine points after winning all three of their matches.

Stabil.Az