Kim Min-jae Heads Off Line as South Africa Reaches World Cup Knockout Stage

Kim Min-jae's header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba in a crucial moment for South Korea.

South Africa scripted one of the stories of the World Cup on Wednesday, defeating South Korea 1-0 to reach the knockout stage for the first time in the nation's history.

South Korea began brightly and came close to taking the lead when Kim Min-jae's header was cleared off the line.

The loss marked the end of South Korea's World Cup campaign, with Kim Min-jae and his teammates failing to advance to the knockout stage.

The Asian side looked to seize control early, with Lee Kang-in also threatening.

South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in the last 16, after finishing second in Group A behind Mexico, who won all three of their matches to top the standings with nine points.

Evidence Makgopa squandered a golden chance before halftime when he failed to beat goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu from close range.

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo introduced captain Son Heung-min at the start of the second half after surprisingly leaving the Tottenham forward on the bench.

But it was South Africa who found the breakthrough, with Tshepang Moremi delivering a cross into the area and Thapelo Maseko calmly firing inside the near post to spark celebrations.

The Koreans pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Oh Hyeon-gyu testing goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, but South Africa defended resolutely to preserve their lead.

The result ensured South Africa finished second in the group, while South Korea bowed out of the tournament on June 25, 2026.