Maseko's 63rd-minute strike sends Bafana Bafana into first-ever World Cup knockout round

Thapelo Maseko’s composed finish in the 63rd minute sent South Africa into the World Cup 2026 knockout round for the first time in their history, as Bafana Bafana defeated South Korea 1-0 to claim second place in Group A on Wednesday.

The result is a remarkable turnaround for a side that began the tournament with a humiliating defeat to hosts Mexico — a game that also saw two of their players sent off. South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in each of their three previous World Cup appearances, in 1998, 2002 and 2010.

Maseko’s winner came after he was found by a precise pass from Moremi, shifted the ball onto his left foot, and buried it into the bottom right-hand corner. The goal proved enough as Mexico simultaneously eased to a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic, confirming South Africa’s passage to a last-16 tie against hosts Canada.

Captain Ronwen Williams pointed to a siege mentality as the driving force behind the recovery. “Everybody was against us — we use that as energy, to fight today,” he said. “It’s amazing what we achieved.” Williams revealed the squad had read newspaper coverage identifying them as among the most likely sides to exit at the group stage, and channelled that criticism into motivation.

South Korea, who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, remain in contention to advance as one of the best third-placed teams with three points, but will reflect on a missed opportunity. Kim Min-jae’s header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba as early as the second minute, and Lee Kang-in fired over from inside the penalty area shortly afterwards.

South Africa grew into the contest and came close in the 19th minute when Maseko raced onto a through ball, only to be denied by a superb last-ditch tackle from Lee Gi-hyuk. South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu then produced an excellent double save, first denying Thalente Mbatha before smothering Evidence Makgopa’s follow-up.

Despite offering little in the second half before the goal, South Africa’s clinical moment was enough to rewrite their World Cup history. They now face Canada with a place in the last 16 on the line.