Guadalupe: South Korea, once poised for a strong showing in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds, now finds its fate hanging in the balance following a surprising defeat to South Africa.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea, ranked 25th in the world, was defeated 1-0 by 60th-ranked South Africa in their final Group A match at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, northeastern Mexico. The pivotal goal came from Thapelo Maseko, propelling South Africa into the knockouts for the first time.
The loss, paired with Mexico's victory over Czechia, relegated South Korea to third place in their group with three points. Initially, South Korea seemed strong with a 2-1 victory over Czechia but faltered with a 1-0 defeat against Mexico last Thursday.
Mexico secured the top position in Group A, and South Korea had a chance to advance as the runner-up with a win or draw against South Africa. Their loss now means they must await the outcomes of other group matches to determine their fate.
This year's tournament features an expanded roster of 48 nations, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place teams advancing. South Korea currently ranks fourth among third-place teams, with Groups A, B, and C having concluded their matches. Bosnia and Herzegovina secured their spot with four points in Group B.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, South Korea remains tied with Scotland among third-place teams with three points. Sweden, Croatia, Algeria, and Paraguay each have three points, while Cape Verde and Belgium hold two points each.
Should South Korea advance as the third seed from Group A, they could face Germany in Foxborough, Massachusetts, or the Group G winner in Seattle, depending on the outcomes of remaining matches. Group G's standings see Egypt leading with four points, followed by Iran and Belgium with two points each, while New Zealand trails with one point.
South Korea aims to reach the knockouts for the fourth time in World Cup history, having previously advanced to the semifinals in 2002 and the round of 16 in 2010 and 2022. The team now awaits the conclusion of the group stage to learn their World Cup destiny.