South Africa stuns South Korea, will face Canada on Sunday
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Orsign-inif you have an account. Thapelo Maseko of South Africa scores his team's goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between South Africa and Korea Republic at Monterrey Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico. Photo by Luke Hales/Getty ImagesWe independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work. MONTERREY, Mexico (AFP) — South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history — an astonishing turnaround after a dismal opening defeat. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. 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Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsThe Bafana Bafana, playing at the tournament for the first time since they hosted it in 2010, were widely written off after their 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico. But they battled to a draw against the Czech Republic and came out on top of what was effectively a shootout with South Korea for second place in Monterrey, thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a shock call by leaving captain Son Heung-min — considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player — out of the starting line-up. The Asian team started strongly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae’s powerful header blocked on the goalline by Aubrey Modiba before Lee Kang-in flashed wide. South Africa quickly settled, playing with hunger and adventure, but their finishing was wasteful. They seemed certain to take the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot. But Makgopa could only tamely poke the ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range. Son came on at the start of the second half, one of three changes made by coach Hong as he sought to change the script. Early in the second period Maseko squandered another good position while South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end. As news filtered through from Mexico City that the host nation were leading against the Czech Republic, there was an added sense of urgency. South Africa seized their moment with Tshepang Moremi crossing to Maseko, who this time kept his cool, firing home inside the near post in the 63rd minute. South Korea pushed hard in the closing stages but ran out of time, meaning South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28. Mexico topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches. Join the ConversationSoccerToronto & GTAColumnistsSoccerColumnistsThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more aboutcookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy.