South Korea eliminated as Maseko sends South Africa through

Maseko ends your World Cup

South Africa 1–0 South Korea. Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal, and that is it. Your team are out of the 2026 World Cup at the group stage (1) (2) (3).

The goal came in the 63rd minute. Maseko slipped the ball through the legs of Castrop and finished past the keeper (7). South Korea had to win this match, and they could not find a way through. Ronwen Williams made a stoppage-time save at 90+3' to seal it (8).

South Africa go through to the round of 32 for the first time in their history (2) (6). Your team go home.

Mexico put three past Czechia, group is done

Mexico 3–0 Czechia in the other Group A match. Mexico finish with a perfect record and win the group (5) (9).

South Korea's elimination was already sealed by their own result, but this scoreline removed any remaining mathematical hope. Three matches, no wins. The 1–0 loss to Mexico and the defeat to Czechia earlier in the group left no margin. The South Africa match was always must-win.

Fan reactions

The mood is raw. Korean fans online are calling it the end of an era. The clips of South African players celebrating after the final whistle are going around, and the Ronwen Williams save at the death is being shared as the moment it was truly over. A third-place standings post is already up, with South Korea listed among the sides that have played all three matches and fallen short.

Scenes as South Africa advance