{"id":38264,"date":"2026-06-25T08:01:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T06:01:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=38264"},"modified":"2026-06-25T08:01:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T06:01:58","slug":"bafana-bafana-make-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/bafana-bafana-make-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Bafana Bafana Make History by Reaching FIFA World Cup Knockout Stages for the First Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa has made football history after Bafana Bafana defeated South Korea 1-0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time. The victory at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico secured second place in Group A and booked Hugo Broos&#8217; side a Round of 32 clash against Canada.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-3354150318\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After opening their campaign with a disappointing defeat to Mexico, Bafana Bafana responded with a draw against Czechia before producing their best performance of the tournament against South Korea. Thapelo Maseko&#8217;s second-half goal proved decisive as South Africa finished the group stage on four points, leapfrogging South Korea to advance automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result marks one of the greatest achievements in South African football, with Bafana finally progressing beyond the group stage after previous exits in 1998, 2002 and 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/fifa-world-cup-2026-hydration-breaks\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: How FIFA World Cup 2026 Hydration Breaks Are Creating New Opportunities for Broadcasters<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Historic breakthrough for South African football<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa entered the final Group A fixture knowing only victory would guarantee progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite missing suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena, Hugo Broos&#8217; side produced an energetic and composed display against a South Korean team that required only a draw to qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when substitute Tshepang Moremi delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Maseko controlled the ball before firing past goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to send South African supporters into celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bafana defended resolutely for the remainder of the match, with captain Ronwen Williams making an important late save to preserve the clean sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The victory means South Africa finishes second behind group winners Mexico, who won all three of their matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maseko delivers on the biggest stage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thapelo Maseko was one of Bafana&#8217;s standout performers throughout the match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The winger consistently troubled South Korea&#8217;s defence with his pace and movement, creating several opportunities before eventually scoring the winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His goal completed an impressive turnaround after a difficult period in his career that included a long injury layoff and limited playing time at club level before reviving his form on loan in Cyprus earlier this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Against South Korea, Maseko&#8217;s persistence was rewarded with what will become one of the most memorable goals in South African football history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"South Africa vs Korea Republic | Match Highlights | FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RbzD7mfkoUA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RbzD7mfkoUA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-315118318\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mofokeng shines in first World Cup start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Relebohile Mofokeng justified Hugo Broos&#8217; decision to hand him his first World Cup start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Orlando Pirates midfielder dictated much of South Africa&#8217;s attacking play, regularly finding space between the lines and creating several clear-cut chances for Maseko and Evidence Makgopa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His creativity helped Bafana dominate large periods of the match despite South Korea enjoying spells of possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The performance further highlighted the exciting young talent emerging within South African football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Defence stands firm under pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While South Africa created the better opportunities, the defensive unit also played a crucial role in securing qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aubrey Modiba produced an outstanding goal-line clearance inside the opening minutes after Kim Min-jae threatened with a powerful header.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Central defenders Ime Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi remained composed throughout, limiting South Korea&#8217;s attacking opportunities even after Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min entered the match at half-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Captain Ronwen Williams once again demonstrated why he remains one of Africa&#8217;s top goalkeepers, commanding his defence and making important saves when required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bafana&#8217;s World Cup turnaround<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa&#8217;s qualification represents a remarkable recovery following their opening defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their World Cup campaign unfolded as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mexico 2-0 South Africa<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>South Africa 1-1 Czechia<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>South Africa 1-0 South Korea<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The four points collected were enough to secure second place in Group A after South Korea remained on three points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to FIFA tournament regulations, the top two teams in each group qualify automatically for the Round of 32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Canada await in the Round of 32<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa will now travel to Los Angeles, where they will face Canada in the Round of 32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Canada have impressed during the group stage, but Bafana&#8217;s disciplined defensive performances and growing confidence suggest Hugo Broos&#8217; side will believe they can continue their historic run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Victory would send South Africa into the last 16 for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3105531561\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bafana Bafana&#8217;s progression is expected to generate significant public interest across Gauteng, where supporters have gathered throughout the tournament at fan parks, restaurants, sports bars and public viewing venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team&#8217;s success is likely to increase demand for live screenings of the Round of 32 fixture against Canada, with many entertainment venues expected to continue hosting football watch parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For local football supporters, South Africa&#8217;s qualification also represents a landmark achievement for the national game and provides renewed optimism ahead of future international competitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Match Statistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Result:<\/strong> South Africa 1-0 South Korea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Goalscorer:<\/strong> Thapelo Maseko (63&#8242;)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Venue:<\/strong> Monterrey Stadium, Guadalupe, Mexico<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Group Finish:<\/strong> South Africa \u2013 2nd in Group A<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Points:<\/strong> 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Next Opponent:<\/strong> Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Competition Stage:<\/strong> FIFA World Cup Round of 32<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who scored for Bafana Bafana against South Korea?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thapelo Maseko scored the winning goal in the 63rd minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is this South Africa&#8217;s first World Cup knockout qualification?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. It is the first time Bafana Bafana have progressed beyond the group stage at a FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who will South Africa play next?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bafana Bafana will face Canada in the Round of 32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How did South Africa qualify?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa finished second in Group A after beating South Korea 1-0 and finishing on four points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who won Group A?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mexico finished top of Group A after winning all three of their group matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa now shifts its focus to the knockout rounds, where Hugo Broos&#8217; side will prepare to face Canada in Los Angeles. The Round of 32 fixture will determine whether Bafana Bafana can continue their historic FIFA World Cup campaign and reach the last 16 for the first time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Africa has made football history after Bafana Bafana defeated South Korea 1-0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time. The victory at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico secured second place in Group A and booked Hugo Broos&#8217; side a Round of 32 clash against Canada. After opening their campaign<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":38268,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"bafana bafana,south korea","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[356,286,11589],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-38264","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-2026-fifa-world-cup","tag-bafana-bafana","tag-south-africa-sports"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng \u2014 producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38264","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38264"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38264\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38270,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38264\/revisions\/38270"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38264"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=38264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}