South Koreans fans weep after Bafana Bafana World Cup defeat

JOHANNESBURG - South Korean fans were left devastated after Bafana Bafana defeated South Korea 1–0 in their final group match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After a disappointing opening defeat to Mexico, South Africa bounced back with a draw against Czechia before securing a famous win over South Korea to finish Group A in second place.

The win sealed a historic feat for South Africa, who now qualify for the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time.

Thapelo Maseko netted a second-half goal to secure all three points for the 2010 World Cup hosts.

Wednesday's defeat in Mexico is a shocking reversal of form for South Korea, who started their World Cup in style, coming from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1.

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A 1-0 defeat against co-hosts Mexico put them under pressure, but they were still favourites to progress to the last 32 when they took to the pitch against South Africa.
 

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said the result was his responsibility.

"Ultimately, it comes down to me," he said. "I guess I made the wrong decisions and that was the reason why we had a bad result. Nothing more, nothing less."

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Hong explained he had left superstar forward Son Heung-min, rated by many as the greatest ever Asian player, out of the starting line-up so he could hurt South Africa later in the match.

"We thought that Son Heung-min would be better-placed when they were losing their energy, and when we could see more spaces," he said.

"That's why we wanted Son to be at his strongest, and the opponent to be a bit weaker."

Despite their loss, South Korea still has an outside chance of qualifying for the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams from the group phase.
 

• Additional reporting by AFP