South Africa stunned South Korea to reach the World Cup for the first time | World Cup 2026

Bafana Bafana, who are playing in the tournament for the first time since it was held in 2010, have reached the 32nd round.

South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 to reach the final of the World Cup for the first time in their history, a remarkable turnaround after the initial defeat.

Bafana Bafana, making their first appearance in the tournament since South Africa’s participation in 2010, failed. their 2-0 loss to the winners of Group A Mexico.

But they won that a against the Czech Republic and came out on top of what was a good shootout with South Korea for second place in Monterrey, thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s second-half dismissal.

South Korea coach Myung-Bo Hong made a surprise call by leaving captain Son Heungmin – widely regarded as Asia’s greatest player – in the starting line-up.

The Asian side started strongly, with stand-in captain Kim Minjae blocked on the goal line by Aubrey Modiba, before Lee Kangin lit it up.

South Africa settled quickly, playing with hunger and adventure, but their finish was devastating.

They looked to have taken the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu shot past Thalente Mbatha.

But Makgopa just hit the ball straight at the golfer from close range.

Son came on at the start of the second half, one of three changes that coach Hong wanted to change the script.

Early in the second half, Maseko wasted another good chance, when South Korean forward Oh Hyeongyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams on the other side.

When news came out of Mexico City that the host nation was leading against the Czech Republic, there was even more interest.

South Africa took their turn, as Tshepang Moremi crossed for Maseko, who this time stayed well, firing inside in the 63rd minute.

South Korea pushed hard in the final but ran out of time, meaning South Africa will face Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.

Mexico lead the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches.