MEXICO: South Africa secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage for the first time in their history after defeating South Korea 1-0 in a closely contested Group A encounter.

During the clash, Thapelo Maseko became the second youngest goalscorer for South Africa in the FIFA World Cup at 22 years and 225 days.

A second-half strike from winger Thapelo Maseko proved decisive as Bafana Bafana overcame a spirited Korean side to finish as runners-up in Group A and book their place in the Round of 32.

South Africa made a bright start despite playing in front of a crowd largely supporting South Korea. Thapelo Maseko looked threatening early on and nearly created an opening on a counterattack before being stopped by defender Lee Gihyuk.

The African side continued to create better chances in the opening half. Korea Republic goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu was called into action on multiple occasions, first producing a strong save to deny Thalente Mbatha’s long-range effort before keeping out Evidence Makgopa from close range.

Seeking a breakthrough after the interval, South Korea head coach Hong Myungbo made three substitutions, including the introduction of captain Son Heung-min, in an attempt to swing the contest in his team’s favour.

However, as South Korea pushed forward in search of a goal, South Africa struck against the run of play. Substitute Teshpang Moremi collected possession on the left flank, beat his marker and delivered a low pass across the edge of the penalty area. Maseko controlled the ball, shifted it onto his left foot and fired a precise finish into the near corner to put South Africa ahead.

Korea pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to break through South Africa’s defence as Bafana Bafana held on for a famous victory.

The result saw South Africa finish second in Group A with four points from three matches, recording one win, one draw and one defeat. Mexico topped the group with a perfect nine points, while South Korea finished third with three points and Czechia were eliminated after collecting just one point.

South Africa will now travel to Los Angeles, where they are set to face the runners-up of Group B in the Round of 32 on June 28.

Mexico finished at the top of Group A with a perfect record, winning all three of their group-stage matches to collect nine points.

The co-hosts scored six goals and did not concede a single goal during the group stage. South Africa secured second place with four points from three matches, registering one win, one draw and one defeat.

Korea Republic finished third with three points, having won one match and lost two, while Czechia ended at the bottom of the group with just one point from three games, recording one draw and two defeats. (ANI)