Thapelo Maseko Hails ‘Unbelievable’ Moment as South Africa Reach 2026 World Cup Round of 32 for First Time

South Africa have made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing to the Round of 32 for the first time in the nation’s football history after a 1-0 group-stage victory over Korea Republic. The man at the centre of that landmark achievement, forward Thapelo Maseko, struggled to contain his emotions in the aftermath of a result that will be remembered long in South African sport.

Maseko broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, converting a pinpoint cross from Tshepang Moremi to settle a tightly contested encounter and end Bafana Bafana‘s long wait for knockout-stage football at a World Cup. The goal sparked jubilant scenes among both the players and the travelling support.

“It’s unbelievable, it feels like a dream,” Maseko told FIFA following the final whistle. “We’re thankful for everyone; the support here and back home. We went through some rough patches, but this team showed they are capable and they’re strong.”

Speaking further in the mixed zone, Maseko reflected on what the goal meant to the squad’s collective belief. “That strike changed everything,” he said. “We believed in each other and stuck to the coach’s plan. Now we must recover quickly and focus on Canada — every game from here is another chance to make history.”

South Africa had not been without difficulty in the tournament prior to this result, navigating testing moments that tested the group’s resolve. Head coach Hugo Broos, who described the win as a nervy 20-minute ordeal at the end, acknowledged the mental and physical demands the side overcame to seal qualification.

The significance of the result extends well beyond a single match. South Africa have participated in the FIFA World Cup on three previous occasions — 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010 — but had never previously progressed past the group stage. The 2010 edition, while celebrated domestically, saw Bafana Bafana eliminated despite being the host nation, a bitter memory that has lingered for over a decade.

Bafana Bafana’s progress was confirmed officially by the South African Football Association’s affiliated accounts, with the Sasol Banyana Banyana account among those sharing the milestone on social media on June 25, 2026.

Attention now turns to Los Angeles, where South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 on Sunday, June 28. Canada, one of three host nations for the 2026 edition alongside the United States and Mexico, will represent a formidable opponent with home support at stake. For Maseko and his teammates, however, the mindset appears clear: the historic barrier has been broken, and further progress remains firmly the objective.