Team Korea looks disappointed after conceding a goal to South Africa at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, on June 25, 2026 (Korea time), during the third match of Group A in the World Cup. (Kim Young-won/Hankyoreh)
All Korea needed was a draw to advance to the round of 32, but instead it suffered a frustrating defeat that dropped it to third place in its group and left it calculating its chances of survival in the World Cup.Korea lost to South Africa 0-1 in its third Group A match at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Thursday (Korea time). The disappointing result left Korea third in Group A, with 1 win and 2 losses, and forces it to hope for one of eight round-of-32 berths reserved for the third-place teams. South Africa’s cumulative 4 points (1 win, 1 loss) brought it up to second place in the group and sent it on its way to the round of 32, where it will face Canada. Although Korea enjoyed 61 percent possession in the first half compared with South Africa's 39 percent, the South African team looked much more aggressive throughout the match. The trend continued after halftime, and in the 63rd minute, Thapelo Maseko scored the game's only goal, sending a chill over Korea’s players and supporters. Manager Hong Myung-bo sent in Son Heung-min and Jens Castrop at halftime before introducing Cho Gue-sung after South Africa’s goal in search of an equalizer. However, Korea’s passes were frequently intercepted and crosses from the flanks also failed to break through South Africa's defense, which held a clear advantage in aerial duels. Korea has not defeated any opponent from Africa at the World Cup since the 2006 tournament in Germany. “The players gave it their all until the final whistle, but the outcome was disappointing, and that’s something I take responsibility for as the coach,” Hong said after the match. As for why he had subbed out Kim Min-jae, Hong said the defender had “a bit of a calf injury.”Meanwhile, Mexico defeated the Czech Republic 3-0, eliminating the Europeans, who finished with 1 draw and 2 losses (1 point). By Son Hyun-soo, staff reporterPlease direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
