South Africa secured advancement to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup for the first time with a 1-0 win over South Korea in Monterrey, Mexico. Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal in the 63rd minute after receiving a precise cross from Tshepang Moremi, helping South Africa finish second in Group A behind Mexico.

South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, had previously failed to progress beyond the group stage in its World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010. The team began this tournament with a 2-0 loss to Mexico and followed with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. Entering their final group match, South Africa trailed Mexico and was considered underdogs against South Korea but managed to secure a pivotal victory to reach the round of 32.

South Korea, who won their opening match 2-1 against the Czech Republic but lost 1-0 to Mexico, remains in contention to advance depending on other outcomes this week. Historically, South Korea has experience advancing from the group stage, reaching the knockout rounds in 2002, 2010, and 2022. The 2002 tournament held special significance as South Korea became the first Asian team to reach the semifinals, ultimately finishing fourth.

South Africa’s next opponent will be Canada, which finished second in Group B. The knockout match is scheduled for Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Canada, making its first appearance in the knockout stage, fell 2-1 to Switzerland in Vancouver, British Columbia. Switzerland topped Group B and will enjoy a week’s rest before playing one of the eight best third-place teams.

Meanwhile, Mexico completed the group stage unbeaten in Group A with three straight wins, including a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Mexico City. Goals by Mateo Chávez, Julián Quiñones, and Álvaro Fidalgo highlighted the match, marking Mexico’s first perfect group-stage record in World Cup history.

In other group action relevant to the knockout round, Morocco rallied for a 4-2 comeback win against Haiti in Atlanta, securing second place in Group C behind Brazil. Morocco will face the runner-up from Group F—potentially the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden—in their round of 32 match in Guadalajara. Brazil, celebrating their fifth World Cup title, advanced as Group C winners after a 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami Gardens. Vinícius Júnior scored twice, moving closer to the tournament’s top scorer race.

With the group stage concluded, the knockout rounds are set to intensify as teams from Africa, North America, Asia, and Europe prepare for their upcoming matches across venues in the United States and Mexico.