South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo watches with a dejected look during the Group A third-round match against South Africa at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, on Wednesday (local time). [Yonhap]
South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo watches with a dejected look during the Group A third-round match against South Africa at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, on Wednesday (local time). [Yonhap]

South Korea fell 0-1 to South Africa in their Group A third-round match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio BBVA near Guadalupe, Monterrey, Mexico, on Thursday morning (Korean Standard Time), conceding the decisive goal to Tafelo Maseko in the 63rd minute.

The result left South Korea with one win and two losses — three points — dropping to third place in the group behind South Africa, which finished with one win, one draw and one loss for four points.

South Korea's hopes of advancing to the round of 32 now depend on results elsewhere. Under the tournament's format, the eight best third-place finishers across all groups advance.

Speaking to broadcasters after the match, manager Hong Myung-bo said the team had given everything it had. "I think we did our best. However, after conceding first, the players seemed to rush in how they managed the game. Still, we gave our best," he said.

Starting defender Kim Min-jae was substituted off in the 65th minute, replaced by Park Jin-seop. Hong said the change was made due to a calf injury.

"We fought until the very end, but the poor result is the manager's responsibility," Hong said. "I don't know what lies ahead, but the result of Thursday's match is the manager's responsibility."


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