South Africa have qualified for the World Cup knockout phase for the first time in their history after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A match on 24 June.
The victory was secured by Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute goal from a Tshepang Moremi cross, allowing Bafana Bafana to finish second in their group behind Mexico and advance to the round of 16.
The achievement represents a first for South African football. The nation had competed at World Cup finals in 1998, 2002, and 2010 as tournament hosts, exiting at the group stage each time.
South Africa's path through Group A included a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their tournament opener, followed by a 1-1 draw with Czechia courtesy of a goal scored late in the match.
Entering their fixture against South Korea, South Africa sat behind both Mexico and South Korea in the group standings. Maseko's goal in the 63rd minute, converted from a delivery by Moremi, proved sufficient as the 1-0 scoreline held through the remainder of the match.
The result secured second place in Group A for South Africa, with Mexico topping the group.
South Africa will face Canada in the round of 16 on Saturday at Inglewood, California. The match represents uncharted territory for Bafana Bafana, who have never before contested a World Cup knockout fixture.