South Africa advances to FIFA World Cup playoffs

MEXICO CITY, June 25. /TASS/. South Africa has advanced to the playoffs after beating South Korea 1-0 in round 2 FIFA World Cup group stage match in Mexico.

Thapelo Maseko netted in the 63rd minute.

Meanwhile, Mexico defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 in another Group A round 3 match and finished first in the group with nine points. South Africa is second with four points. They are followed by South Korea (3 points), and the Czech Republic (one point).

For the first time in its history, South Africa’s national team has managed to make to it to the World Cup knockout stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States between June 11 and July 19. The matches are staged in 16 cities across the three countries. This is the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams instead of the previous 32-team format.