25/06/2026 10:37 - Deportes
South Africa has written a golden page in its football history by qualifying for the Round of 16 of a World Cup for the very first time. The 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey secured second place in Group A with 4 points, sparking celebrations across the African continent.
Played on June 24, 2026, at the Monterrey stadium, the match was decided by a single goal from forward Thapelo Maseko, who etched his name into South African folklore.
South Africa showed determination and grit, capitalizing on defensive errors from the South Korean side to secure the vital result that propels them into the knockout rounds.
South Korean manager Myung Bo Hong was candid in defeat: "Out of the three games, today was the worst. Our players were prepared to win; they knew how, but I take responsibility because I am the leader of this group."
South Korea finished third with 3 points, following a win against the Czech Republic (2-1) and losses to Mexico (0-1) and South Africa (0-1).
| Position | Team | Points | Goal Diff. | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Mexico | 9 | +9 | Qualified |
| 2nd | South Africa | 4 | +1 | Qualified |
| 3rd | South Korea | 3 | -1 | Eliminated |
| 4th | Czech Republic | 0 | -9 | Eliminated |
The Mexican national team achieved a historic feat with 9 points out of 9, securing a perfect group stage record for the first time in their World Cup history.
El Tri defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 with goals from Mateo Chávez, Julián Quiñones, and Álvaro Fidalgo. Veteran goalkeeper Memo Ochoa entered the match in the 78th minute to play in his sixth World Cup, receiving a special FIFA Legacy Patch.
Mexico awaits their rival as the leader of Group A. They will play on June 29, 2026, in Houston against the runner-up of Group F.
South Africa has a date with destiny: they will face Canada (second place in Group F) on June 29, 2026, in Los Angeles.
This marks the first confirmed Round of 16 matchup of the tournament.
Myung Bo Hong, visibly moved by the elimination, refused to make excuses: "Mistakes led us to lose confidence, especially after the goal against. Bad, everything was bad."
Regarding the climate conditions in Monterrey, the coach clarified: "We arrived one day before the game, but we knew the third match was in Monterrey and prepared for it. The weather is different from Guadalajara; it could be a factor, but we arrived well prepared."
Alfredo S. Quiroga
