FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa Reach Historic Round of 32 as Mexico Eliminate Czech Republic
South Africa secured a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea, while Group A winners Mexico maintained their perfect record with a commanding 3-0 win over the Czech Republic.
South Africa Make History with Win Over South Korea
A second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko fired South Africa into the Round of 32 and sealed a landmark achievement for Bafana Bafana at the Estadio Monterrey.
With qualification on the line, South Africa delivered a disciplined and energetic performance against a South Korean side that struggled to create meaningful chances despite enjoying more possession.
After a goalless first half, Maseko broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute.
The winger controlled a pass from Tshepang Moremi inside the box before calmly finishing through a defender’s legs and beyond the goalkeeper.
South Korea, who only needed a draw to guarantee progression, failed to respond effectively.
Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min was introduced at halftime but made little impact as Hugo Broos’ men held firm.
The victory moved South Africa into second place in Group A behind Mexico and booked a Round of 32 showdown with Canada in Los Angeles.
For South Korea, hopes of advancing now depend on whether their record is enough to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Mexico Finish Perfect Group Stage, Send Czech Republic Home
Already assured of top spot in Group A, Mexico completed a flawless group-stage campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Mexico City.
After a scoreless opening half, Mateo Chávez opened the scoring in the 55th minute with his first international goal. Six minutes later, Julián Quiñones doubled Mexico’s advantage after a goalmouth scramble following excellent work from teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora.
Álvaro Fidalgo added a third goal deep into stoppage time to complete a dominant display from Javier Aguirre’s side.
Mexico ended the group stage with three wins from three matches, maximum nine points and, notably, without conceding a single goal.
One of the standout performers was 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who became the youngest player ever to start a World Cup match for Mexico and the sixth-youngest starter in men’s World Cup history.
Mora impressed throughout before receiving a standing ovation when substituted.
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also drew huge cheers from the home crowd after making a late appearance in his sixth World Cup campaign, matching the tournament participation record of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The defeat condemned the Czech Republic to bottom place in Group A with just one point, ending their World Cup journey.
South Africa’s historic breakthrough and Mexico’s flawless group-stage run ensure both sides head into the knockout rounds with confidence, while South Korea face an anxious wait and the Czech Republic bow out of the tournament.
Group A Final Standings
Mexico – 9 points
South Africa – 6 points
South Korea – 3 points
Czech Republic – 1 point
Round of 32 Qualification
Mexico – Qualified as Group A winners
South Africa – Qualified as Group A runners-up
South Korea – Awaiting confirmation as a potential best third-placed team
Czech Republic – Eliminated
