Sports
South Africa make history, qualify for World Cup knockout round
South Africa secured a historic place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time after edging South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A match.
A 63rd-minute strike from Thapelo Maseko at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Mexico, earned Bafana Bafana a famous victory and ensured a second-place finish in the group.
The result completed a remarkable turnaround for Hugo Broos’ side, who had opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico.
The South African coach described the achievement as a response to critics, saying his team had succeeded in “shutting up big mouths.”
South Africa will now face Canada in the Round of 32 on Sunday, with both nations reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their histories.
In Group C, Morocco recovered from an early setback to defeat Haiti 4-2 and book their place in the knockout rounds.
An own goal involving goalkeeper Yassine Bounou handed Haiti a surprise lead before Wilson Isidor doubled the Caribbean side’s advantage.
However, Morocco responded through Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine to complete a dramatic comeback victory.
The Atlas Lions finished second in Group C with seven points, level with Brazil but behind the South Americans on goal difference.
Brazil sealed top spot with a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland, courtesy of a brace from Vinicius Junior and a goal from Matheus Cunha.
Morocco will now face the winners of Group F in the Round of 32, with the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden all still in contention to finish top of the group.
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