Historic Victory Takes Bafana Bafana to the Knockout Phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a First in SA Football History
Bafana Bafana have written a new piece of history in South African sports by making it out of the group stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first time the nation has progressed to the knockout phase of the global football competition. Hugo Broos’s charges clinched their must-win encounter against the Korea Republic, edging the Tigers of Asia one goal to nil at the Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Nuevo León.
The encounter between the two nations was their very first in history.
Maseko celebrating the decider with the squad | SUPPLIED
The hard-earned win was decided by a sumptuous strike from Mzansi winger and eventual man of the match Thaphelo Maseko, who had a handful of other chances throughout the game before being substituted for Rayners in the second half. Bafana came into the game and held their form with another strategic formation, employing a 4-3-2-1 shape, the third formation change for the nation in as many games. Key changes rolled over from the experiences of previous matches saw attacking midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng and forward Evidence Makgopa make it into the starting eleven, players who had an impact in spearheading Bafana’s attack and stacking the pressure on the South Koreans.
The win secured Bafana a berth in the Round of 32 as runners-up of Group A. Despite a rocky start, a comprehensive two-goal loss against the Mexicans followed up by a tentative one-all draw against the Czech Republic, Bafana finished their run behind the hosts, who won their final game against the Repre and racking up 9 points, 5 more than what Bafana ended up with.
Post-match celebrations for Bafana Bafana | SUPPLIED
As a result of the win, the Taegeuk Warriors finished third while the best eleven of the Czech Republic were eliminated from the competition.
Bafana’s next match, taking place in Inglewood, California, will be against another co-hosting nation, Canada, on the 28th of June 2026 at 21:00 South African Standard Time.