Maseko strike sends South Africa into first World Cup knockouts with win over South Korea

South ​Africa celebrated a first World Cup knockout berth with jubilant scenes on Wednesday after Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over South ⁠Korea, who still have a chance of advancing as one of the https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/24/world-cup-groups-permutations-round-of-32-usa-mexico-canada">eight best third-placed teams.

Maseko fired into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put ⁠South Africa – who will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June – on four points behind ​Group A winners https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/25/mexico-czechia-world-cup-2026-match-report">Mexico, who beat the ‌Czechia 3-0.

South Korea, ‌who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, have three points.