South Africa vs South Korea World Cup 2026: Maseko Goal Sends Bafana Into the Last 32

Updated 24 June 2026.

South Africa have made World Cup history. Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike gave Bafana Bafana a 1-0 victory over South Korea at Estadio BBVA on June 24, 2026, sending them into the Round of 32 for the first time in their history. South Korea, who beat Czech Republic on Matchday 1, are out. It is a stunning turnaround over the final two group games that nobody saw coming.

South Africa vs South Korea World Cup 2026 Result: Maseko Writes History

South Africa vs South Korea World Cup 2026 produced the biggest result of the day in Group A. Bafana Bafana had drawn with Czech Republic on Matchday 2 and needed a win here to stand any chance of progressing. They got exactly that.

The match was close and tight for the first hour, with South Korea looking to protect their Matchday 1 win over Czech Republic. But in the 63rd minute, Thapelo Maseko latched onto a loose ball inside the area and steered a finish past the goalkeeper. Estadio BBVA fell almost silent among the Korean supporters, while the South African contingent erupted.

South Africa held on through the final half hour with discipline and heart, keeping South Korea at arm’s length and recording a historic 1-0 win.

South Africa in the World Cup Round of 32: A Historic First

South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup but were eliminated at the group stage. They have never before reached the knockout rounds. This victory changes that, writing a new chapter for a nation that has waited 16 years since their only other World Cup appearance as hosts to taste success on the biggest stage.

Their campaign in Group A tells its own story. They lost the opener to Mexico 2-0 on the opening day, fought back to draw 1-1 with Czech Republic on Matchday 2, and then delivered when it mattered most. The momentum shift over those final two games is remarkable.

South Africa will meet one of the group winners or runners-up from the rest of the bracket in the Round of 32. See the complete World Cup 2026 guide for the full knockout picture.

South Korea Exit Despite a Winning Start

South Korea’s World Cup 2026 ends in painful circumstances. They beat Czech Republic 2-1 on Matchday 1 to get off to a perfect start, but consecutive losses to Mexico and South Africa dropped them to third in the group. Three points proved just enough to match Czech Republic on paper but not enough to advance.

South Korea’s failure to build on that opening win will be the defining story of their campaign. They had the quality to go further but could not find the performances when it mattered in the final two matches.

What Happens Next

South Africa advance to the Round of 32 as Group A runners-up, with four points from their three matches. They join Mexico, who took the group with a perfect nine-point haul, in the knockout stage. The World Cup 2026 group standings tracker has the full picture across all groups.

South Korea are eliminated. Czech Republic are also out, having managed only one point across three games. Group A produced one of the World Cup’s feel-good stories so far, and South Africa will be a popular side in the last 32.

South Africa vs South Korea World Cup 2026: FAQ

Did South Africa qualify for the World Cup Round of 32?

Yes. South Africa’s 1-0 win over South Korea on June 24 sent Bafana Bafana into the Round of 32 for the first time in their history, finishing second in Group A with four points.

Who scored for South Africa against South Korea?

Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute at Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe.

Is South Korea eliminated from World Cup 2026?

Yes. South Korea finished third in Group A with three points, despite winning their opening game against Czech Republic, and are eliminated from the tournament.

Sources: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A and ESPN match report.