South Africa beat South Korea 1–0, face Canada for a place in the round of 32

South Africa beat South Korea 1–0, a win away from the knockouts

Your team is still alive. South Africa 1–0 South Korea on Wednesday in Monterrey, and a group that looked closed after two games is now wide open (2) (3). One goal was enough. You go into Sunday's match against Canada knowing a win puts you through to the round of 32.

The win shakes the group. Mexico have already qualified, but South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia are now all fighting for the second automatic spot, or a place among the best third-placed teams.

Canada on Sunday, and a date with the round of 32

Canada finished second in their group and wait for you this Sunday in what is effectively a playoff (1). Win, and Bafana Bafana are in the knockouts.

The 48-team format means third place might still do it, but the simplest path is three points. Hugo Broos flagged South Korea's fitness before that match, "they can run for 90 minutes", and his side matched it. Canada will ask different questions, but the prize is the same.

A strange question in the press room

After the defeat, a Korean journalist asked South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo something no one in the room expected: "Collective food poisoning?" (2). The implication was clear, and a little desperate. Hong did not take the bait.

South Africa were simply better on the night. One goal. Clean sheet. No excuses needed.

Fan-reaktioner

Fans are jubilant. One Reddit post captured the mood with a simple image: South Africans celebrating in the early hours after the final whistle link. Others are already doing the maths, with Morocco, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt all positioned well for the knockout stage, African representation could hit 25% of the round of 32 field link. The 48-team format has its critics, but no one in a Bafana jersey is complaining right now.