The inspiration behind South Africa’s incredible World Cup comeback as Bafana Bafana advance | OneFootball

History for South Africa and the most remarkable turnaround for Bafana Bafana to lock up a place in the knockout phase at a World Cup 2026 for the first time.

From the humiliation at the hands of hosts Mexico, including two red cards, to a dramatic late win on Wednesday thanks to Thapelo Maseko, to down South Korea 1-0 and leapfrog them into second.

From one host to another: South Africa will next face Canada, with a shot at more history and a last 16 tie on the line, with a siege mentality. Captain Ronwen Williams revealed how he read the newspapers and how South Africa were highlighted as one of the most likely sides to exit at the group stage, stating: “Everybody was against us, we use that as energy, to fight today, it's amazing what we achieved.”

South Korea, who can still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, will have regrets, but South Africa capitalised on Mexico easing to a lead and ultimate 3-0 win over the Czech Republic.

Maseko fired the ball into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South ⁠Africa.

South Korea, who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, have three points. South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three ‌World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002 ‌and 2010.

The Koreans threatened after two minutes when Kim Min-jae's header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, before Lee `Kang-in fired over from inside the penalty area shortly afterwards.

South Africa gradually grew into the contest and nearly struck in the 19th minute when Maseko raced onto a through ball, only for Lee Gi-hyuk to produce a superb last-ditch tackle.

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South Africa's Thapelo Maseko celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates (Reuters)

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South Africans celebrate after winning the World Cup Group A soccer match against South Korea in Guadalupe (AP)

South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu then made an excellent double save, first denying Thalente Mbatha before smothering Evidence Makgopa's follow-up effort.

Though they had hardly mounted ⁠a threat in the second half, South ⁠Africa struck with a superb finish by Maseko. Found by a precise ‌pass by ​Moremi, he shifted the ball ‌onto his left before ​burying it in the bottom right-hand corner.