South Africa produced one of the biggest surprises of the group stage after defeating South Korea 1-0 to book a place in the knockout rounds. Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike proved enough for Bafana Bafana, who started Matchday 3 with just one point but climbed to second place with four points.
Meanwhile, South Korea dropped to third after the defeat. Hong Myung-bo’s side must now wait to see whether three points will be enough to secure one of the tournament’s best third-placed qualification spots.
Mexico Top Group and Eliminate Czech Republic
Mexico secured first place in Group A with a perfect nine points after defeating the Czech Republic 3-0. Mateo Chávez opened the scoring before Julián Quiñones doubled the advantage six minutes later. Álvaro Fidalgo wrapped up the victory in stoppage time, confirming El Tri as Group A winners.
Qualification Scenario
✅ Mexico – Qualified as Group A winners (9 pts).
✅ South Africa – Qualified as Group A runners-up (4 pts).
⏳ South Korea – Finished third (4 pts) and await confirmation as one of the best third-placed teams.
❌ Czech Republic – Eliminated after finishing fourth.
Group A Results
Matchday
Fixture
Result
1
Mexico vs South Africa
2-0
1
South Korea vs Czech Republic
2-1
2
Mexico vs South Korea
1-0
2
Czech Republic vs South Africa
1-1
3
South Africa vs South Korea
1-0
3
Mexico vs Czech Republic
3-0
Final Group A Standings
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
🇲🇽 Mexico (Q)
3
3
0
0
6
0
+6
9
2
🇿🇦 South Africa (Q)
3
1
1
1
2
3
-1
4
3
🇰🇷 South Korea
3
1
1
1
3
2
+1
3
4
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
3
0
1
2
1
7
-6
1
