Group A of the 2026 World Cup ended overnight, between Wednesday and Thursday, with two decisive results. South Africa, which began the final round at the bottom of the group, beat South Korea 1-0 to advance from the group stage for the first time in its history. Mexico stayed perfect with a 3-0 win over disappointing Czechia.
Against South Korea, the Bafana Bafana survived early pressure, including a third-minute goal-line clearance by Aubrey Modiba that denied Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. South Korea continued to miss chances, and South Africa struck after halftime. In the 63rd minute, Thabang Masiko finished from close range after a fine pass from Tshepang Morimi, who had come on just a minute earlier. South Korea pressed in the final 20 minutes, but South Africa's defense, led by Ronwen Williams, held firm.
The win lifted South Africa into second place in the group and set up a Round of 32 meeting with host nation Canada in California. The result was described as historic because it sent South Africa into the knockout stage for the first time ever.
In Mexico City, Javier Aguirre's Mexico had already secured qualification before kickoff, but finished the group stage with 9 points and without conceding a goal. After a slow first half, Matheo Chaves broke the deadlock in the 55th minute from a Luis Romo assist, Julián Quiñones made it 2-0 in the 61st, and substitute Álvaro Fidalgo added a third in stoppage time. The night also featured Guillermo Ochoa, age 40, replacing Raúl Rangel in the 78th minute to earn his sixth World Cup appearance, drawing huge cheers from the home crowd. Czechia was eliminated in disappointment.
