South Africa and Morocco both advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after wins over Korea Republic and Haiti respectively.
Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history, while the Atlas Lions finished the group stage unbeaten with seven points, matching Brazil’s tally.
South Africa’s historic breakthrough came with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Korea Republic in Monterrey. Knowing only victory would guarantee qualification, Hugo Broos’ side were disciplined and patient before substitute Thapelo Maseko delivered the decisive moment just after the hour mark.
The winger controlled Teshpang Moremi’s pass on the edge of the penalty area before firing beyond goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu to score the only goal of the contest.
South Africa had the better of the first half, with Kim producing excellent saves to deny Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa. Korea Republic introduced captain Son Heung-min after the break, but Bafana Bafana stayed compact and held their lead.
The victory secured second place in Group A behind Mexico and set up a Round of 32 match with Canada in Los Angeles.
Maseko’s goal also earned him a place in South African football history — at 22, the country’s second-youngest scorer at a FIFA World Cup.
Broos praised his players after the final whistle. “It is difficult to explain what this feels like. We played really well, created chances and tactically we were excellent. What we have built over the last five years is amazing,” the South Africa coach said.
Maseko described the achievement as “a dream”, thanking supporters who kept believing in the team through difficult moments.
In Atlanta, Morocco beat a determined Haiti side 4-2 to finish second in Group C after a dramatic comeback win.
The Atlas Lions fell behind twice after Haiti produced a strong first-half display. Their opening goal, credited as a Yassine Bounou own goal following Lenny Joseph’s clever back heel, was Haiti’s first World Cup goal in 52 years. Isidor then put Haiti ahead again with a spectacular long-range strike after Achraf Hakimi had equalised for Morocco.
Morocco responded as Ismael Saibari levelled before half-time after Hakimi’s cutback. Soufiane Rahimi completed the comeback midway through the second half. Gessime Yassine sealed it late on as Walid Regragui’s side moved into the knockout rounds.
Achraf Hakimi, named Player of the Match, admitted Morocco had to improve after a slow start. “It was a tricky game. We didn’t start well, but we changed our mindset and worked hard to get ourselves back into it. We managed to win because of the way we attacked,” Hakimi said.
