World Cup 2026: Two African Nations Reach the Knockout Stage

South Africa became the second African nation to reach the Round of 32.

The achievement followed a 1‑0 victory over South Korea in the early hours of today.

A second‑half goal from Thapelo Maseko secured South Africa’s second place finish in Group A, earning four points and a spot in the knockout stage.

The Bafana Bafana trail Mexico, which tops the group with nine points after a 3‑0 win against Czechia.

South Africa now joins Morocco as the only African teams to advance to the last‑32 of the World Cup.

Morocco had earlier secured qualification by defeating Haiti 4‑2.

The North Africans finished second in Group C with seven points, behind leaders Brazil.