World Cup 2026: South Africa makes history
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All original articlesAfter the opening match lost to Mexico 0-2, South Africa was given little chance. But the Bafana Bafana managed to bounce back and will play in the round of 16, after defeating South Korea 1-0 during the night of June 25, 2026. It is the first time in their history that the Rainbow Nation advances past the group stage of a World Cup, in their fourth appearance after 1998, 2002, and 2010.
In Monterrey, the South Africans largely dominated the proceedings and logically earned their reward through Thapelo Maseko, their most inspired winger, who is currently playing in Cyprus. After missing two chances, one before the break and one just after, the forward finally broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, with a shot following a perfect assist from substitute Tshepang Moremi, who had just come on.
A successful tactical reshuffle
Coach Hugo Broos made three changes compared to his usual team, including the return of Sphephelo Sithole in the absence of the suspended Teboho Mokoena, and starts for Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa. It was a smart move: Mofokeng particularly impressed with his ability to unsettle the Korean defense in tight spaces.
The Koreans had, however, the chance to take the lead early in the match, taking advantage of a momentary lapse in the South African defense, but Lee Kang-In's shot in the 7th minute was off target. South Africa responded ten minutes later with a quick counterattack, barely blocked, then missed another opportunity in the 30th minute when Thalente Mbatha's powerful strike, deflected towards Makgopa, was saved by the Korean goalkeeper. At halftime, the score was still goalless but the stats spoke for the Bafana Bafana: ten attempts, three on target, against zero dangerous shots for South Korea against Ronwen Williams.
In the second half, Maseko missed another chance early on after a nutmeg by Mofokeng. But Moremi’s entrance changed everything: barely on the pitch, the substitute broke down the left side before delivering a precise cross for Maseko, who hammered the ball past keeper Seung-gyu Kim with an unstoppable low shot.
Next stop: Canada
The South Africans then secured their lead seriously, thus claiming their first win of the World Cup and, most importantly, their historic qualification for the round of 16.
Thanks to their clear victory (3-0) over the Czech Republic in the other group A match, Mexico finishes top with nine points, ahead of South Africa (4 points), who finish second. The Bafana Bafana will face Canada in the round of 16, on Sunday, in Los Angeles. South Korea, third with three points, will have to wait to see if they qualify among the best third-placed teams in the tournament.