South Korea entered Wednesday’s Group F clash needing only a draw to lock a round‑of‑32 spot against Canada. Coach Hong Myung-Bo stunned the Taegeuk Warriors by leaving captain Son Heung-Min on the bench, a move few expected given the striker’s status at home. The decision set the stage for a high‑stakes encounter that ended in a shock 1-0 defeat to South Africa.

Korea pressed early, with Kim Min‑Jae meeting Lee Kang‑In’s corner and a header cleared off the line, then Lee Kang‑In shot wide. South Africa grew dangerous as Thapelo Maseko sprinted down the right, forcing a block from Lee Gi‑Hyuk and a double save by keeper Kim Seung‑Gyu. Maseko later capped a swift counter, feeding Tshepang Moremi’s assist and scoring the lone goal.

The loss dropped Korea to third place, leaving them to rely on being one of the tournament’s top third‑placed teams to advance. Fans erupted in jeers when the lineup was announced, and criticism now targets Hong’s gamble despite his right to prioritize the collective. With the group finale looming Saturday, Korea’s World Cup hopes hinge on a single result.