'Like a Hollywood blockbuster': South Africa celebrates historic World Cup knockout-stage berth after defeating South Korea

South African media erupted in celebration after the national team defeated South Korea 1-0 on Thursday in their Group A finale at the 2026 North America World Cup, securing the country's first-ever berth in the knockout stage.

South African outlet News24 described the team's group-stage arc — a loss to Mexico, a draw against the Czech Republic and a victory over South Korea — as "a script worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster."

The narrative that took shape was one of a team that stumbled in its opener, rekindled hope in its second match and completed a miracle by winning when it mattered most.

South Africa, which needed a win to advance to the round of 32, delivered with a sharp counter-attacking display against South Korea.

Another local outlet, IOL, said it was "the first time the national team has tasted this level of excitement and euphoria since winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996."

IOL also drew a comparison between 74-year-old head coach Hugo Broos and Clint Eastwood, who played a trainer in the film "Million Dollar Baby." In a column, one IOL journalist referenced South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, writing: "Watch out, Cyril — don't be surprised if the chants of 'Hugo Broos for president' grow even louder."

Media outlets also noted that South Africa won despite being heavily outnumbered in the stands.

News24 noted that a large Korean community based in Monterrey packed the stadium, writing that "the situation looked hopeless" and that it "felt darker than when South Africa was enduring rolling blackouts."

The South African government issued a congratulatory statement, calling it "a moment of pride for South Africa" and saying the result "brought hope and anticipation to South Africans at home and abroad, and showcased South Africa's footballing talent to the world."

Winning coach Broos credited tactics as the key reason South Africa were able to defeat South Korea.

At the post-match press conference, Broos said South Korea "were exactly as we expected — a fast team that runs a lot and looks for space in behind the defense."

He added that "it is always important to have good analysts," suggesting the team had done thorough preparation on their opponents.

"When Korea had the ball, we succeeded in covering all the space," Broos said. "When we had the ball, we were dangerous. We had fast players and players who could play passes between the lines. That is why we won."

Broos added that after conceding, South Korea grew desperate in search of an equalizer, but South Africa held their shape well, leaving the Koreans with almost no truly threatening moments.

When a South Korean journalist noted that the Korean players had looked far heavier-legged than in their previous two matches, Broos said the victory came down to how well his side handled both phases of play — when South Korea had the ball and when South Africa had it.

The win marked South Africa's first-ever World Cup knockout-stage qualification. South Africa had also been eliminated in the group stage at the 2010 tournament, which they hosted.

South Korea fell 0-1 to South Africa in the Group A third-round match at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

South Africa will face host nation Canada in the round of 32. "These players want to prove to everyone that they are a good team," Broos said. "We want to stay as long as possible. Reaching the round of 16 would be even more historic."