South Africa created history when they secured their first FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Korea in their last group stage clash at the Monterrey Stadium.
The lone goal of the match came in the 63rd minute when Thapelo Maseko scored the goal for his team South Africa.
Maseko received a good pass from Moremi and Maseko took it on his left foot and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
South Africa’s victory went down in history thanks to this goal.
South Africa finished the group stage with four points to enter the knockout stage.
The team, which has never advanced past the group stage in the World Cups it has competed in in 1998, 2002 or 2010, has made a big step in getting to the knockout stage.
South Korea started the match brightly and almost took the lead within the opening two minutes, however, they were not able to score a goal.
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Kim Min-jae tried to score a goal by a header but was stopped by Aubrey Modiba. Lee Kang-in also had a good shot that went over the crossbar.
The first half saw South Africa take their time to get going and build up a number of opportunities.
Maseko had a good chance to score a goal in the 19th minute but Lee Gi-hyuk responded with a superhuman tackle.
Again, South Africa threatened but failed before half-time as Kim Seung-gyu made two great saves to deny Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa.
There were not as many clear-cut opportunities in the second half, but Maseko’s goal did the trick.
South Africa held onto their lead to a satisfying conclusion, and a memorable win, until the end of the match.
South Africa will then take on the co-host Canada in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles on June 28.
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