South Africa's Thapelo Maseko celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup Group A match against South Korea in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, on June 24, 2026
| Photo Credit: AP
South Africa celebrated a first World Cup knockout berth with jubilant scenes on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) 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 into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South Africa, who will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 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.“It was a fantastic experience. It was so tough today, but it was a good game. I think tactically we were very good and it was difficult for South Korea to find space,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said.
South Korea players react at the end of the World Cup Group A match with South Africa
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