Three names flashed on the big screen in Monterrey, and one was missing. When South Korea read out their lineup without Son Heung-min, the stadium gasped. Ninety minutes later, the FIFA World Cup 2026 had its biggest shock yet. South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 to reach the knockout rounds for the first time ever, while a bold coaching gamble left an Asian giant sweating on its survival.
| Quick Answer At the FIFA World Cup 2026, South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A match on June 24. Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute. South Africa finished second behind Mexico and reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history. South Korea, who controversially benched captain Son Heung-min, finished third and must now wait to see if they advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. |
Key Takeaways
- South Africa beat South Korea 1-0, reaching the World Cup knockouts for the first time ever.
- Thapelo Maseko scored the winner in the 63rd minute, set up by a Tshepang Moremi cross.
- South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo benched Son Heung-min, a gamble that backfired badly.
- South Africa finished 2nd in Group A behind Mexico and face Canada in the round of 32.
- South Korea finished 3rd and must wait until Saturday to learn their fate.
What Happened in South Africa vs South Korea?
Group A came down to a straight shootout for second place. South Korea only needed to avoid defeat to go through. Instead, South Africa controlled the big moments and won 1-0.
The numbers tell a strange story. South Korea held 68 percent of the ball, yet South Africa created the better chances and recorded the higher expected goals. As Sky Sports reported, possession counted for little without a cutting edge.
South Korea almost struck first. In the second minute, stand-in captain Kim Min-jae met a corner with a header that Aubrey Modiba cleared off the line. That early let-off proved important.
The Son Heung-min Gamble That Backfired
The story everyone is talking about is the one decision before kickoff. Coach Hong Myung-bo left captain Son Heung-min on the bench, the first time the talisman had not started a World Cup match since 2014. He had started 12 in a row across three tournaments.
When the lineup appeared without Son, fans in the stadium jeered. The Tottenham star, now 33, has endured a quiet tournament. He was hauled off in both earlier games and had the fewest touches of any Korean starter in each.
| In His Words Hong defended the call by saying he wanted Son fresh for when South Africa tired. He admitted afterward that it was their worst performance of the tournament, and said the responsibility ultimately falls on the head coach. If he had known the result in advance, he added, he would have chosen differently. |
Son came on at half-time and looked livelier, with 29 touches. Yet only one came inside the penalty area. The spark Korea needed never arrived, and the gamble unraveled. ESPN called it a bet that backfired spectacularly.
How South Africa Made History
This is a remarkable turnaround. South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, opened the tournament with a heavy 2-0 loss to Mexico and were widely written off. They then battled to a draw with Czechia before this decisive win.
The winning goal was patient and clinical. Tshepang Moremi crossed from the right, and Maseko, who had spurned an earlier chance, fired inside the near post in the 63rd minute. Word that Mexico were beating Czechia next door only sharpened the urgency.
| The Standout This is the first time South Africa have reached the knockout stage since they hosted the tournament in 2010, and the first time ever that they have advanced past the group stage. For veteran coach Hugo Broos, 74, it may be a career-defining farewell. |
Group A Final Standings
Mexico topped the group with a perfect record. Here is how Group A finished after all three rounds.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | Pts |
| 1 | Mexico | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| 2 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 3 | South Korea | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | Czechia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Mexico and South Africa advance directly. South Korea’s hopes now rest on the best third-placed team rankings.
What Does South Korea Need to Survive?
South Korea finished third with 3 points and a minus-1 goal difference. Under the new 48-team format, the 12 group winners, 12 runners-up, and the 8 best third-placed teams reach the round of 32. So Korea can still advance, but only as one of those eight.
| Worth Knowing The third-place race is decided by points first, then goal difference, then goals scored. Korea must wait until the group stage ends on Saturday to know if their tally is enough. Results in the other 11 groups will settle it. |
South Africa vs Canada: The Round of 32 Tie
South Africa now face co-hosts Canada in the round of 32. Reports place the tie in the Los Angeles area on Sunday, June 28. Canada finished second in Group B behind Switzerland.
It is a winnable game for a side riding a wave of belief. Bafana Bafana have defended deeply and struck on the break all tournament, a plan that could trouble a host nation under pressure. If you want to follow the match live, our guide to the Google World Cup tools for 2026 shows how to get scores and lineups on your phone.
Other Results From a Wild Matchday
South Africa’s shock was the headline, but it was a loaded day across the groups. A few results stood out.
- Mexico 3-0 Czechia: the hosts won all three group games to top Group A.
- Brazil 3-0 Scotland: Vinicius Junior shone as Brazil cruised to the top of Group C.
- Morocco 4-2 Haiti: a six-goal thriller sent Morocco through.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 Qatar: Bosnia booked their knockout spot.
For another group decided by goals rather than possession, our recap of Sweden’s 5-1 win over Tunisia is worth a look. The tournament has served up upsets in nearly every group.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered a classic on Matchday 3. South Africa wrote a new chapter in their history, while South Korea’s bold gamble became a cautionary tale. One side dared and lost the moment, the other seized it.
Now the wait begins. South Africa march on to face Canada, and South Korea hold their breath until Saturday. Either way, this is the kind of drama that makes the group stage unmissable.
| Your Move Want more World Cup 2026 coverage as the knockouts heat up? Browse our Sports section and follow every twist of the bracket. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in South Africa vs South Korea?
South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A match on June 24, 2026. Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal in the 63rd minute, set up by a Tshepang Moremi cross at the Monterrey Stadium.
Why was Son Heung-min benched against South Africa?
Coach Hong Myung-bo made a tactical call, hoping to bring Son on later when South Africa tired. Son had struggled in the first two games. The plan failed, and Hong admitted the responsibility was his.
Has South Africa reached the World Cup knockouts before?
No. This is the first time South Africa have advanced past the group stage at a World Cup. Their only previous appearance in the knockout conversation came as hosts in 2010, when they exited in the group stage.
Can South Korea still qualify for the round of 32?
Yes, but not directly. Korea finished third in Group A with 3 points. They can still advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams, which will be confirmed once the group stage ends on Saturday.
Who does South Africa play next?
South Africa face co-hosts Canada in the round of 32. Reports place the match in the Los Angeles area on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Canada finished second in Group B.
How do the best third-placed teams work at the 2026 World Cup?
With 48 teams in 12 groups, the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams reach the round of 32. Third-place teams are ranked by points, then goal difference, then goals scored.
