Bafana Bafana defeated South Korea 1-0 to reach the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history. The South Africans finished second in Group A behind Mexico and will next play Canada.
Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe. Coach Hugo Broos, who plans to step down after the tournament, led the team to this milestone in their fourth World Cup appearance.
Maseko had returned from injury with a loan move to a Cyprus club earlier in 2026. He controlled and finished a cross from substitute Tshepang Moremi to secure the win on four points.
Mexico topped the group with nine points after a 3-0 victory over Czechia. South Korea, needing only a draw to advance, could not find a goal despite increased pressure in the second half.
Bafana Bafana created 11 shots in the first half alone. They now prepare to face Canada in the knockout round.
