South Africa Reaches World Cup Knockouts for First Time
South Africa made history by advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, defeating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey, Mexico. The victory, secured by a Thapelo Maseko goal, placed them second in Group A behind Mexico. They will face co-host Canada in the Round of 16. South Africa became the seventh African nation to achieve this milestone, marking a significant breakthrough for South African football.
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Son Heung-min Regrets 'Wrong Decision' to Bench Captain in World Cup Loss to South Africa
South Korea's coach Hong Myung-Bo benched captain Son Heung-min for a crucial World Cup group stage match against South Africa on June 24, 2026. The decision backfired as South Africa secured a 1-0 victory, leaving South Korea's knockout stage hopes in jeopardy. Hong admitted post-match that the strategy failed and that he might have made different choices had he known the outcome. He explained that he planned to use Son when opponents were tired and spaces opened, but Son had only one shot as a substitute. South Africa leapfrogged to second in Group A, while South Korea now depends on results from third-place finishers in other pools to advance to the round of 32. The match was played in Los Angeles, with South Africa advancing to face Canada.
Yardbarker: SoccerSouth Africa Becomes Seventh African Team to Advance from World Cup Group Stage
On June 25, in the World Cup group stage, South Africa secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea, earning a spot in the knockout stage. This achievement makes South Africa the seventh African team in World Cup history to advance from the group stage. The previous African teams to accomplish this feat include Nigeria (three times), Morocco (three times), Senegal (two times), Ghana (two times), Cameroon, and Algeria. The news was reported by Hupu, a Chinese sports media outlet, and sourced from X.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup: Kang-in Lee Apologizes After South Korea's Shocking Loss to South Africa
On June 25, 2026, South Korea suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The loss sent Bafana Bafana directly to the round of 16, while South Korea now faces an anxious wait to see if they will qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Kang-in Lee publicly apologized to Korean fans after the match, admitting that both his and his teammates' technical skills were insufficient. He expressed regret for failing to win despite the incredible support from fans, and vowed to improve and prepare thoroughly for their next potential match. The result is considered a major upset in the tournament.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertSouth Africa Coach Hugo Broos: Historic World Cup Knockout Qualification Is Our Strongest Response to Critics
On June 25, 2025, South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in the World Cup group stage to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time. After the match, head coach Hugo Broos gave an exclusive interview to African media SportsTV. Broos ranked this achievement among the top three to four peaks of his coaching career, alongside winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2016 and leading South Africa to a third-place finish in the Africa Cup of Nations. He stated that the result is a strong reply to critics who complained about the players' ability and his coaching quality over the past few weeks. When asked about the team's chances in the knockout stage, Broos emphasized that anything is possible in single-elimination football and that the team will give their all against every opponent without complacency.
虎扑 - 足球South Africa Stuns South Korea to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage
South Africa achieved a surprising 1-0 victory over South Korea in the final group match of the 2026 World Cup, securing a spot in the knockout stage. The match, held on June 25, 2026, was a sensational outcome that sparked celebrations in South Africa. The article includes highlights from the game in video format. This victory marks a significant achievement for the South African team, as they advance beyond the group stage for the first time in recent memory.
Nachrichten - WELTFIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa beats South Korea to reach knockout stage for first time
South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their first-ever knockout stage berth. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, firing into the bottom corner after a pass from Moremi. South Africa finished second in Group A on four points, behind winners Mexico, and will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28. South Korea, who started without captain Son Heung-min and brought him on at halftime, had three points and still have a chance to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. South Africa had previously failed to progress from the group stage in their three prior World Cup appearances (1998, 2002, 2010). Coach Hugo Broos praised his team's tactical discipline and described the achievement as historical, noting his five-year tenure with the squad.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.First Match of World Cup Round of 32 Set: Canada vs South Africa
The first match of the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup has been scheduled. Canada will face South Africa on Sunday, as reported by Record Portugal. South Africa secured a historic qualification to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, following a group stage victory over South Korea. The match marks a significant milestone for South African football. The article also includes links to other news and sports sections of the Record website, including updates on Benfica, FC Porto, and Sporting. The game is part of the ongoing World Cup 2026 tournament, which features expanded group stages and knockout rounds.
RecordSouth Africa Advances to World Cup Round of 32 with 1-0 Win Over South Korea
South Africa secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after defeating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey on June 25, 2026. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive second-half goal, sending Bafana Bafana into the round of 32. The victory marks a significant achievement for South African football on the global stage. The match report and highlights are available via BBC Sport, though geo-restricted to UK users. Both teams remain active topics for followers on the BBC Sport platform.
BBC SportSouth Africa into round of 32 after 1-0 win over South Korea in 2026 World Cup
South Africa secured a place in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey. The decisive goal came in the second half from Thapelo Maseko, ensuring progression to the knockout phase for the South African team. The match, played on June 25, 2026, was covered by BBC Sport, though full match report access was limited to UK users. This result marks a significant achievement for South Africa in the tournament.
BBC SportSouth Africa Celebrates Historic World Cup Knockout Phase Qualification
South Africa has reached the knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its fourth appearance, defeating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey on June 24, 2026. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, assisted by substitute Tshepang Moremi, securing second place in Group A despite scoring only two goals in the group stage. The team, coached by Belgian Hugo Broos, will face co-host Canada in the round of 32 in Inglewood, California. Meanwhile, group winner Mexico defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 at the Azteca Stadium, with goals from Mateo Chavez, Julián Quiñones, and Álvaro Fidalgo. South Korea finished third with three points and faces an uncertain advancement. The match drew 51,243 spectators and marked a historic moment for Bafana Bafana, who defended their narrow lead with great commitment after taking the advantage.
Nachrichten - WELTSouth Africa Reaches World Cup Knockout Stage for First Time After Beating South Korea
South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, made history by reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time. In their fourth World Cup appearance, they defeated South Korea 1-0 in the final group match in Monterrey, Mexico, with a 63rd-minute goal from Thapelo Maseko. The victory secured second place in Group A, following an initial 0-2 loss to Mexico and a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. Coach Hugo Broos was overcome with emotion at the final whistle, while players celebrated wildly in front of 51,243 spectators. South Africa will face co-host Canada in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles. South Korea finished third in the group with three points and faces an uncertain path to advancement. The achievement marks a historic milestone for South African football, which had previously failed to advance past the group stage in 1998, 2002, and 2010.
BILD - SportThapelo Maseko strike sends South Africa into first World Cup knockout stage with 1-0 win over South Korea
South Africa secured a historic first-ever World Cup knockout berth on Wednesday, defeating South Korea 1-0 thanks to a second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko in the 63rd minute. The victory puts South Africa on four points in Group A, behind group winners Mexico, who beat Czechia 3-0. South Korea, who started captain Son Heung-min on the bench, have three points but still have a chance to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. South Africa, who had failed to advance from the group stage in their previous three World Cup appearances (1998, 2002, 2010), will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday. Coach Hugo Broos called the achievement 'historical' and praised his team's tactical discipline. The match kicked off at 3am local time, but jubilant South African fans took to the streets in pajamas to celebrate the milestone.
Football | The GuardianMaseko Strike Sends South Africa into First World Cup Knockouts with Win Over South Korea
South Africa secured a historic 1-0 victory over South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning their first-ever knockout stage berth. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, firing a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner after a pass from Tshepang Moremi. South Africa finished second in Group A with four points, behind winners Mexico, who beat Czechia 3-0. The win sends South Africa to face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28. South Korea, who started star forward Son Heung-min on the bench, remain with three points but still have a chance to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. South Africa coach Hugo Broos praised his team's tactical discipline and noted the achievement as historic after five years of work. South Korea dominated possession but lacked an attacking edge and failed to create clear chances.
Football | The GuardianSouth Africa Beats South Korea 1-0, Advances to World Cup Round of 16 for First Time
South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match, securing their first-ever advancement to the Round of 16 in four World Cup appearances. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, finishing a counter-attack with a controlled strike off the post. South Korea, who would have advanced with a draw, finished third in the group with three points and must await results from other groups to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. South Africa, as group runners-up, will face Canada in the Round of 32. The match saw South Korea start strongly with early chances from Min-Jae and Kang-in Lee, but their performance faded, and even with Heung-min Son introduced after halftime, they could not break down a resolute South African defense.
FútbolSouth Africa becomes seventh African team to advance from World Cup group stage
In the World Cup group stage, South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in the final round, overtaking them to finish second in their group and advance to the knockout rounds. According to statistics, South Africa became the seventh African team to break through the group stage in World Cup history, following Nigeria (3 times), Morocco (3 times), Senegal (2 times), Ghana (2 times), Cameroon, and Algeria. The South African players made history with this achievement. The match was reported by Hupu Soccer on June 25.
虎扑 - 足球South Africa Advance to World Cup Knockouts for First Time, Defeat South Korea 1-0
South Africa made history by advancing from the group stage of a World Cup for the first time, defeating South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday evening. After a poor start in the first two matchdays, the Bafana Bafana surprised observers with the victory. They finished second in Group A behind Mexico and will face Canada in the Round of 16. South Korea must now wait for a potential qualification among the best third-placed teams. This breakthrough marks a historic achievement for South African football.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuSouth Africa's stirring upset books Canada showdown, South Korea bench Son Heung-min and left stunned
South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, thanks to a 63rd-minute goal by Thapelo Maseko. The victory lifted Bafana Bafana to second place in the group, securing their first-ever knockout stage appearance and a Round of 32 matchup against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles. South Korea's surprise decision to bench captain Son Heung-min for the first half backfired, as they suffered back-to-back defeats and dropped to third place. The Athletic's prediction tool gives South Korea an 89% chance of facing the Group G winner, likely Egypt. The article explores the tactical reasons behind Son's benching and analyzes South Africa's effective performance despite a talent gap.
Soccer - The AthleticSouth Africa's stirring upset books Canada showdown, South Korea bench Son Heung-min and left stunned
South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match, securing second place and a Round of 32 matchup against co-hosts Canada. The victory was sealed by Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute winner. South Korea made the surprise decision to bench captain and star forward Son Heung-min for the first half, a tactical move that backfired. The loss pushed South Korea into third place in the group, with an 89% probability of facing the Group G winner. It is South Africa's first-ever advancement to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Soccer - The AthleticSouth Africa Reaches World Cup Round of 16 for First Time
South Africa made history by advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in four appearances, following a 1-0 victory over South Korea. The result leaves South Korea needing positive results elsewhere to advance. In the same group, co-host Mexico also secured a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic, eliminating the Czechs from the tournament.
kicker Fußball NewsSouth Africa qualify for World Cup knockouts for first time with win over South Korea
South Africa made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time ever. They secured second place in Group A with a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea. The result marks a significant milestone for South African football, as the team advances beyond the group stage for the first time in their World Cup history. The match was closely contested, but South Africa managed to edge out their opponents and claim a spot in the round of 16.
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