South Africa celebrated their first ever World Cup knockout berth on Wednesday following a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko secured the win with a strike into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute.
Known as Bafana Bafana, the team is playing in the tournament for the first time since they hosted in 2010. This achievement follows a remarkable recovery after losing their opening match and drawing with the Czech Republic to secure second place in Group A.
Group A was won by Mexico, who defeated Czechia 3-0. South Africa finished with four points and is scheduled to face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28 in the round of 32.
South Korea, who started the match with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, finished with three points. Despite the loss, they still have a chance to qualify for the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams, provided results elsewhere go their way.