South Africa vs South Korea

South Korea made the surprise decision to leave captain and all-time appearance leader Son Heung-min on the bench for the first half — a tactical call from coach Hong Myung-bo that raised eyebrows among the 51,243 crowd.

South Africa took full advantage of the uncertainty. Lee Kang-in tested the South African defence with an early left-footed effort that flew just wide in the seventh minute, but from there it was all Bafana Bafana. Maseko forced a fine block from Lee Gi-hyuk in the 19th minute, and the rebound fell to Thalente Mbatha whose drive was saved by Kim Seung-gyu. Evidence Makgopa fired the loose ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range, though the flag may have been coming anyway.

The first half ended 0–0, but South Africa had registered three shots on target to South Korea's none.

Maseko had been South Africa's liveliest attacker all night, repeatedly finding space behind the Korean defence. The moment of incision came in the 63rd minute, just one minute after Oswin Appollis had entered the pitch as a substitute. Themba Moremi slipped a pass through to Maseko on the left side of the box, and the midfielder drilled a low left-footed finish across Kim Seung-gyu and into the far corner.

The goal arrived almost simultaneously with news of Mexico's opener against Czech Republic travelling through the stadium, sending pockets of local fans into celebration — a bizarre dual soundtrack that only added to the occasion.

South Korea introduced Son just after the restart and threw on additional attackers, but South Africa's defence held firm. A late yellow card for Cho Gue-Sung (79') for roughing encapsulated Korean frustration. The Taegeuk Warriors managed nothing more than a tame Oh Hyeon-gyu header and the early Lee Kang-in attempt as meaningful chances.

Thapelo Maseko (South Africa) — The match-winner. His relentless running in behind the Korea backline caused problems from the first whistle, and he produced a composed finish when it mattered most. Replaced to a standing ovation in the 75th minute.

Themba Moremi (South Africa) — The provider. Entered in the 62nd minute and within 60 seconds had played the decisive pass. Changed the game's momentum immediately after coming on.

Sphephelo Sithole (South Africa) — Dominated the midfield battle, closing down space and preventing South Korea from building any sustained attacking rhythm after the goal.

Lee Gi-hyuk (South Korea) — The one bright spot in the Korean defence. He made a vital early block on Maseko and tried in vain to organise a backline that was repeatedly stretched.

The 1–0 scoreline flatters South Korea in terms of chances created. South Africa generated three first-half shots on target while Korea managed none before the break. After the goal, the pattern reversed — Korea held possession but rarely threatened, with no shots on target in the second half after South Africa scored.

This was South Africa's third-ever World Cup victory and their first against a non-European opponent. Remarkably, the last 11 goals South Africa have scored at World Cups have come from 11 different players — a statistic that reflects the squad's collective rather than individual firepower.

Mexico's 3–0 win over Czech Republic meant they finished Group A with a perfect record for the first time, also keeping clean sheets in all three group-stage matches — something only the 1970 hosts had previously managed.

South Africa's place in the Round of 32 is confirmed — a historic achievement for a nation that had never previously escaped the group stage. They will face Canada at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday 28 June.

South Korea finish third in Group A on four points. Their knockout-stage hopes now depend on whether they qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams. According to The Athletic's prediction model, there is an 89 percent chance they will advance to face the Group G winners, currently led by Egypt. The Korean camp will be scoreboard-watching for the remainder of the group stage.

Mexico, as group winners, advance to face a third-placed team from Groups C, D or E, with Scotland currently projected as their most likely opponent.

South Africa earned this. Outfought in the possession stats but clinical where it counted, Broos' side executed a disciplined game plan and took their one clear chance. South Korea will rue the decision to bench Son Heung-min and a flat attacking display that produced almost nothing of substance. The margin was slender, but the history is real: Bafana Bafana are in the knockouts for the first time.