South ⁠Africa celebrated a first World Cup knockout berth with jubilant scenes on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) after Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea, who ‌still have a chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

Maseko fired 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, who beat the Czech Republic 3-0. South Korea, who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, 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.

“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,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said.

“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.”

South Koreans lack cutting edge

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.

South Africa gradually grew into the contest and nearly struck in the 19th minute when Maseko raced ‌onto a through ball, only for Lee Gi-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. ⁠After soaking up the early pressure against a South Korea side that ⁠struggled to create clear openings, even with captain Son coming on at halftime, South Africa deservedly found the breakthrough.

Moremi slipped ‌a precise pass into Maseko, who shifted the ball onto his left foot before drilling a low finish into the bottom ​right-hand corner to send his side into the last 32.