South Africa beat South Korea to reach World Cup knockout stage for first time

Thapelo Maseko fires the ball into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South Africa into 2nd place

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group A - South Africa v South Korea - Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico - Jun 24, 2026 South Africa's Thapelo Maseko celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Eloisa Sanchez

South Africa reached the knockout phase at a World Cup for the first time on Wednesday when Thapelo Maseko's second-half strike gave them a 1-0 win against South Korea, who can still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Maseko fired the ball 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.

South Korea 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.