2026 World Cup Group A: South Africa beats South Korea to go from last to the knockout rounds

South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 on June 25, 2026, with Thapelo Maseko scoring in the 63rd minute to advance to the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup for the first time in their history. The result moved South Africa from last place to second in Group A, a remarkable turnaround after they had lost 2-0 to Mexico in their opener while finishing with nine men due to two red cards. South Africa will next face Canada on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in the first Round of 32 game.