World Cup Stadium – 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, sending Bafana Bafana into the last 32 for the first time in their history.
Maseko fired into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South Africa – who will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June – on four points behind Group A winners Mexico, who beat Czechia 3-0. South Korea, who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, have three points and still have a chance of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002, and 2010. On Wednesday, they finally broke that duck.
Key developments:
- South Africa qualify for World Cup knockout stages for first time in history
- Thapelo Maseko scores only goal in 63rd minute (1-0 victory over South Korea)
- Bafana Bafana finish second in Group A with 4 points behind Mexico
- South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June
- South Korea have 3 points and still chance to advance as best third-placed team
- South Africa had failed to advance from group stage in 1998, 2002, 2010
- Coach Hugo Broos: "It's historical, and I'm very happy for the guys"
- Son Heung-min started on bench, came on at half-time
- Kim Seung-gyu made excellent double save before Maseko's winner
Maseko's Moment of Magic
After soaking up early pressure against a South Korea side that struggled to create clear openings, even with captain Son coming on at half-time, South Africa deservedly found the breakthrough.
Tshepang Moremi slipped a precise pass into Maseko, who shifted the ball onto his preferred left foot before drilling a low finish into the bottom right-hand corner to send his side into the last 32. The AEL Limassol forward had been the standout player on the pitch throughout the evening, and his goal was fitting reward for a tireless performance.
Broos: 'It's Historical'
South African manager Hugo Broos, visibly emotional after the final whistle, described the achievement as a "fantastic experience."
"It's very difficult to explain how I feel. It's a fantastic experience. Technically I think we were very good. It was difficult for South Korea to find space. It was 90 minutes of heart beating and hoping that the game would be as soon as possible finished," Broos said.
"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.
"We scored, then there were 20 minutes of heart-stopping moments. It's historical, and I'm very happy for the guys. I've been working with them for five years."
How the Match Unfolded
South Korea, who enjoyed most of the possession but lacked a cutting edge and inspiration, made the brighter start when Kim Min-jae's header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba after two minutes, before Lee Kang-in fired over from inside the penalty area shortly afterwards.
Bafana Bafana gradually grew into the contest and nearly struck in the 19th minute when Maseko raced onto a through ball, only for Lee Ki-hyuk to produce a superb last-ditch tackle.
Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu then made an excellent double save, first denying Thalente Mbatha before smothering Evidence Makgopa's follow-up effort.
South Korea, who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, brought their captain on at half-time in an attempt to turn the tide. But even with Son's presence, the Koreans struggled to create clear openings against a well-organized South African defence.
What the Result Means
The victory puts South Africa on four points behind Group A winners Mexico, who beat Czechia 3-0. South Korea, with three points, still have a chance of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Next up for South Africa: Canada, in Los Angeles. Both teams are in the knockout rounds for the first time. That also means one team will reach the Round of 16 for the first time – a historic milestone for whichever nation progresses.
South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002, and 2010. On Wednesday, they finally broke that duck with a performance that was full of heart, discipline, and tactical intelligence.
Knockout Stage Implications
Bracketology reveals some fascinating potential matchups if all the favorites win:
- Germany-France
- Canada-Netherlands
- Ghana-Spain
- USA-Egypt
- Brazil-Côte d'Ivoire
- Switzerland-Colombia
- Argentina-Belgium
- England-Mexico (a massive game!)
The wild, wacky format of this World Cup gives some teams much easier knockout routes than others, but for South Africa, the achievement of simply reaching the knockout stages for the first time is enough to celebrate.
⚽ The Big Picture
South Africa's historic qualification for the World Cup knockout stages is a testament to the resilience and growth of Bafana Bafana under Hugo Broos. After failing to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup appearances – in 1998, 2002, and 2010 – this team has finally broken through. Thapelo Maseko's second-half strike against South Korea secured a deserved victory, sending the South Africans into the last 32 where they will face co-hosts Canada. For Broos, who has been working with this squad for five years, the achievement is deeply personal. "It's historical," he said, fighting back emotion. For South African football, this is a moment to savor – and a sign that the nation's footballing future is brighter than it has been in decades.
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