The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sent a congratulatory message to South Africa after Bafana Bafana qualified for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history. South Africa secured a historic 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Guadalupe Stadium in Monterrey, completing a remarkable turnaround after a disappointing start to the tournament.
Match Details and Key Moments
South Africa had been widely written off following their 2-0 defeat to Group A winners Mexico in their opening match. Despite South Korea dominating possession with 68%, the Asian side failed to convert their superiority into goals. South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo made the bold decision to bench Son Heung-min for the first time in 13 World Cup appearances, as the Tottenham star endured a difficult tournament, according to Sky Sports.
The Taeguk Warriors came close to opening the scoring when stand-in captain Kim Min-jae saw his powerful header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Lee Kang-in also fired narrowly wide. South Africa gradually grew into the game, playing with confidence and attacking intent, although their finishing initially let them down. They appeared destined to take the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell kindly to Evidence Makgopa after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried a shot from Thalente Mbatha, but the chance went begging.
Breakthrough Goal and Victory
Bafana Bafana finally made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute when Tshepang Moremi delivered a cross for Thapelo Maseko, who kept his composure and fired into the near post, per ESPN. South Korea pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages but failed to find a way through as South Africa held on for a famous victory. The result sends Bafana Bafana into the Round of 32, where they will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28. Mexico finished top of Group A with a perfect nine points after winning all three of their matches.
CAF's Celebration and Fan Reactions
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) celebrated the historic qualification on X (formerly Twitter), tagging the current crop of Bafana Bafana players as history makers. CAF wrote: "A FIRST for Bafana Bafana. 1️⃣ South Africa reach the #FIFAWorldCup knockouts for the very first time. ??? History makers." Fans also reacted with excitement. @leanmz said: "Nothing is impossible when you believe. Well done to the boys for making history that no one will ever erase!!!!!! Forward we go!!!!!" @ButiEzechiel wrote: "With ? South African born players." @mer_Sahin_ added: "Dreams really do come true. ??."
Coach Hugo Broos Never Lost Faith
Legit.ng previously reported that Hugo Broos remained optimistic even after South Africa's difficult start to the tournament. The Belgian coach consistently argued that his team's performances deserved more credit than the results.
