Thapelo Maseko fired South Africa into the FIFA World Cup 2026™ knockout stage for the first time with a 63rd-minute winner in a 1-0 victory over Korea Republic at Monterrey Stadium on Wednesday 24 June.
In a Group A match neither side could afford to lose, Bafana Bafana found the decisive moment despite Korea Republic enjoying the majority of the ball. The result confirmed South Africa’s historic progress and ended Korea Republic’s group campaign with defeat.
South Africa’s goal came through Maseko, who was later named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match. FIFA also noted that the winger became the second youngest goalscorer for South Africa at a FIFA World Cup, scoring at 22 years and 225 days.
How South Africa edged Korea Republic in Monterrey
South Africa started the better despite playing in front of what FIFA described as a largely Korean crowd. Early on, Maseko threatened on a fastbreak, only for Korea Republic defender Lee Gihyuk to cut out the move at the last moment.
As the first half developed, South Africa created the clearer chances. Korea Republic goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu was called into action twice, first parrying Thalente Mbatha’s long-range effort and then denying Evidence Makgopa from point-blank range to keep the game scoreless.
After the break, Korea Republic coach Hong Myungbo “threw caution to the wind,” making three changes in an attempt to swing the match. Those alterations included the introduction of Son Heungmin as Korea Republic pushed to find a breakthrough.
However, with Korea Republic pressing, it was a South African substitute who helped turn the contest. Against the run of play, Teshpang Moremi collected the ball on the left wing, beat a defender and fizzed a pass across the top of the penalty area.
Maseko took control, shifted the ball inside onto his left foot and slotted the finish in at the near post in the 63rd minute. The strike proved decisive in a low-scoring but “exciting” clash, as described in FIFA’s match report.
South Africa then had to manage the closing stages under pressure. Coach Hugo Broos later described the final spell as “20 minutes with a very high heart rate,” as his side protected the advantage to secure the win and the milestone qualification.
What they said
Korea Republic coach Hong Myungbo said: “I believe the players gave everything they had, but it is disappointing that we conceded the opening goal. As for the disappointing result, that responsibility lies with me as the head coach.”
South Africa coach Hugo Broos said: “It is difficult to explain what this feels like. It is a fantastic experience. We played really well and created chances. Tactically we did really well and Korea Republic couldn’t find the spaces that they wanted. We scored the goal and then it was 20 minutes with a very high heart rate. What we did in the last five years is amazing. When you work together for such a long time there is a connection and it is more than a relationship between coach and players, we have become friends. We just have to enjoy this.”
Goalscorer Thapelo Maseko said: “It’s unbelievable, it feels like a dream. Thank you to the fans, they gave it their all. This is for everyone who supported us, but also for those who didn’t. There were many people who didn’t believe in us. We went through some rough patches. But this team showed that they are capable and strong.”
Group A outcome and South Africa’s next match
The win confirmed South Africa as runners-up in Group A, with FIFA’s table listing them on four points from three matches (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss), scoring two and conceding three.
As Group A runners-up, Bafana Bafana will play their next match in Los Angeles on 28 June against Group B runners-up Canada, as they continue their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign in the knockout phase.