Jubilation as South Africa beat South Korea to reach World Cup knockout stage for first time

Despite their loss, South Korea can still qualify for the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

South Africa's Thapelo Maseko scores against South Korea during the sides' 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match at Estadio Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico, on Jun 24, 2026. (Photo: Reuters/Eloisa Sanchez)

25 Jun 2026 11:00AM

(Updated: 25 Jun 2026 12:03PM)

MONTERREY, Mexico: South Africa celebrated a first World Cup knockout berth with jubilant scenes on Wednesday after Thapelo Maseko's second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea, who still have a chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.Maseko fired the ball into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South Africa, who will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Jun 28, on four points behind Group A winners Mexico, who beat the Czech Republic 3-0.South Korea, who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, have three points.South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010.