A memorable night for Hugo Broos’ side as South Africa advances despite missing two key leaders. South Korea crashes out with only one point.
South Africa wrote one of the most remarkable stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating South Korea 1-0 and qualifying for the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.
Missing suspended midfield leader Teboho Mokoena and veteran captain Themba Zwane, the Bafana Bafana were expected to struggle against a talented Korean side. Instead, Hugo Broos’ disciplined and resilient team produced another memorable performance to secure second place in Group A and a historic passage to the Round of 32.
South Korea enjoyed more possession during the opening stages, but lacked sharpness in the final third. Hong Myung-bo even introduced Son Heung-min at halftime in an attempt to inject creativity and urgency into his attack, yet the Tottenham star was unable to inspire a comeback.
South Africa remained compact, organized and dangerous on the counterattack. Their reward arrived in the 63rd minute when Thapelo Maseko found space at the edge of the box and drilled a precise left-footed effort into the bottom corner beyond Kim Seung-gyu.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the South African supporters, who sensed history was within reach.
Korea pushed forward desperately during the closing stages, but Williams and his back four stood firm, preserving a clean sheet and a result that will forever be remembered in South African football history.
Broos’ side finishes Group A with five points and heads into the Round of 32 full of confidence, while South Korea departs the tournament after collecting only one point from three matches.
Match Report
South Africa 1-0 South Korea
Scorer:
63′ Maseko (RSA)
South Africa (4-2-3-1)
Williams 7; Mudau 6.5, Okon 7, Mbokazi 7, Modiba 6.5; Mbatha 6.5, Sithole 6.5; Maseko 8 (75′ Rayners 6), Mokofeng 6.5 (80′ Adams sv), Appollis 6.5 (62′ Moremi 6); Makgopa 6.
Coach: Hugo Broos
South Korea (3-4-2-1)
Kim Seung-gyu 6; Lee Han-beom 6, Kim Min-jae 6 (65′ Park Jin-seob 6), Lee Gi-hyuk 6; Seol Young-woo 5.5, Paik Seung-ho 5.5 (46′ Kim Jin-gyu 6), Hwang In-beom 6, Lee Tae-seok 5.5 (46′ Castrop 6); Lee Kang-in 6, Hwang Hee-chan 5.5 (46′ Son Heung-min 6); Oh Hyeon-gyu 5.5 (74′ Cho Gue-sung 5.5).
Coach: Hong Myung-bo
Group A Final Standings
| Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 7 | +5 |
| South Africa | 5 | +1 |
| Czech Republic | 4 | 0 |
| South Korea | 1 | -6 |
Qualified: Mexico (1st), South Africa (2nd)
Waiting for best third-place ranking: Czech Republic
