South Africa advanced to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after upsetting a strong South Korea side on Wednesday night. The South Africans scored the only and decisive goal of the match to seal their place in the next round.
Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute off a precise cross from Tshepang Moremi as South Africa finished second in Group A behind Mexico, who won all three of their group-stage matches. South Africa will now face Canada, the second-placed team from Group B, in a round of 16 clash on Sunday in Inglewood, California.
This marks a historic achievement for South Africa, which had failed to progress from the group stage in 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010.
Canada finished second in Group B after a 2-1 loss to Switzerland and will now take on the African side for a place in the quarter-finals.
Interestingly, South Africa began their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Mexico before earning a draw against the Czech Republic.
On the other hand, South Korea started strongly with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic but suffered defeats against Mexico and South Africa.
South Korea became the first Asian team to reach the knockout stages in 2002, eventually finishing fourth. They also advanced to the round of 16 in 2010 and 2022.
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