World Cup 2026: South Africa 1-0 South Korea - Thapelo Maseko's winner makes history after Heung-Min Son benched
South Africa have reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history by finishing second in Group A with a 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Thapelo Maseko netted a deserved winner in the 63rd minute to set up a round of 32 tie with Canada on Sunday as their remarkable revival continued under manager Hugo Broos following their humbling nine-man defeat to Mexico in the opening game.
Heung-Min Son's difficult tournament continued as he was benched for the first time in 13 World Cup games by South Korea boss Myung-Bo Hong, whose side failed to build on their victory over the Czech Republic and now face a nerve-wracking wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
South Korea were unable to make their 68 per cent possession count in Guadalupe, lacking a cutting edge as South Africa had more shots and recorded a higher xG on their way to earning a famous victory.
2: OFF THE LINE! Min-Jae Kim attacks a corner at the near post and sends a powerful header that hits South Africa defender Aubrey Modiba on the line.
8: JUST WIDE! Kang-In Lee fires a shot from inside that area that whistles past South Africa's right post.
30: DOUBLE SAVE! Seung-Gyu Kim parries Mbatha's powerful effort and Makgopa puts the follow-up straight into the goalkeeper's hands.
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46: TRIPLE CHANGE! Heung-Min Son comes on at half-time as part of three subs as South Korea move to a back four.
63: GOAL! Thapelo Maseko finishes superbly from inside the area to move South Africa up to second in Group A.
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- June, 24
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25 of June 2026
