South Africa reaches World Cup knockouts for first time
A 1-0 win over South Korea sent Bafana Bafana into the World Cup knockout stage and sparked early-morning celebrations at home.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
South Africa advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after beating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey, Mexico, Al Jazeera reported. The result gave Bafana Bafana a historic finish to a group campaign that included a defeat, a draw, a win and two red cards.
Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute at Monterrey Stadium, according to Al Jazeera. The loss left South Korea waiting to learn whether it would still qualify for the round of 32 or be eliminated.
The match kicked off at 3am in South Africa, but Al Jazeera reported that supporters still gathered for watch parties and later celebrated in Johannesburg streets in winter clothing and pyjamas. About 10,000km away, the team marked the result in its locker room in Guadalupe, Mexico.
Fans compare moment with 2010
Johannesburg-based supporter Lorenz Kohler told Al Jazeera that many fans had stayed up because they believed the team could produce a major result. Kohler said the achievement surpassed the memories of 2010, when South Africa hosted the World Cup but became the first host country to fail to get out of the group stage.
Another fan, Byron Pillay, told Al Jazeera that South Africa had exceeded the expectations of critics who expected the team to struggle in the group. Pillay said the run had revived the ambitions associated with former South Africa coach Clive Barker, while current coach Hugo Broos was helping turn them into results.
The South African government congratulated the team after the win, saying in a statement quoted by Al Jazeera that the performance showed “determination, discipline and fighting spirit” on a major sporting stage. The government said the team had created hope and excitement among South Africans in the country and abroad.
Broos marks emotional milestone
Broos, 74, said after the match that South Africa had travelled to Mexico aiming to survive the group stage, Al Jazeera reported. He said the moment was emotional because the World Cup is expected to be near the end of his managerial career, which has lasted nearly four decades.
The Belgian coach, who took charge of South Africa’s men’s team in 2021, praised his players’ tactical display. “Everyone did their job,” Broos said, according to Al Jazeera.
Broos also said South Africa would bring the same belief and work rate into its next match on Sunday. Kohler told Al Jazeera that anything beyond this stage would be a bonus, while adding that some supporters believed the team could beat Canada, with that match set for Los Angeles rather than Canada.
For supporters, the win marked a different kind of national celebration from 2010. Fan Sahil Ebrahim told Al Jazeera that the earlier tournament was remembered largely for the pride of hosting, while the 2026 run was being celebrated for the team’s performance on the field.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.