South Africa have made history at the FIFA World Cup 2026, reaching the knockout stage for the first time after edging South Korea 1-0 in a Group A encounter played in Mexico.

The decisive moment arrived in the 62nd minute, when substitute Moremi drove forward before rolling the ball into the path of Thapelo Maseko. The winger controlled with composure and drove a low finish into the bottom corner to give Hugo Broos' side a lead they would not relinquish.

Maseko the constant threat

Maseko had been Bafana Bafana's most dangerous outlet throughout the match. As early as the 18th minute, he found himself clean through on goal following a swift counterattack, only to be denied by a superb block from Lee Gi-hyuk.

He continued to press in the second half, seeing a close-range effort blocked in the 50th minute before finally converting the opportunity that mattered most.

Earlier in the first half, Maseko had set up Thalente Mbatha with a clever run in the 30th minute. Mbatha's left-footed shot squirmed through the goalkeeper's hands, but Relebohile Mofokeng's rebound attempt was straight at Kim Min-jae.

Maseko also lifted a one-on-one over the crossbar in the 38th minute — a miss that could have proved costly had South Africa not found the net shortly after half-time.

South Korea unable to find a way through

South Korea began the match with energy, winning an early corner and creating danger through Kang-in Lee, who narrowly missed the target in the eighth minute. However, they struggled to convert their pressure into genuine openings as the match progressed.

Evidence Makgopa also came close for South Africa in the 13th minute, heading wide from a promising position inside the penalty area.

South Korea pressed late in search of an equaliser, but Bafana Bafana defended with discipline and determination to preserve the three points — and their place in the last 16.

For South Africa, this result marks an extraordinary milestone. Never before had the nation advanced beyond the group stage of a FIFA World Cup, making Thursday's final whistle one of the most significant moments in the country's football history.