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South Korea Falls 1-0; Coach Blames Son Bench

6/26/2026

Summary

Hong Takes Responsibility

South Korea lost 1-0 to South Africa after Coach Hong Myung-bo benched Captain Son Heung-min.
Hong said the benching was wrong and took full responsibility for the defeat.
Son expressed sorrow for not helping his teammates on the field.
The loss left South Korea with three points, meaning they must finish as a top third-place team to reach the round of 32.

Summary

South Africa Advances

South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0, securing the nation’s first ever World Cup knockout-stage appearance.
Coach Hugo Broos praised the team’s tactical discipline and said they would exploit South Korea’s weaknesses despite missing Teboho Mokoena (suspended) and Temba Zwane (ban).
Thapelo Maseko’s goal was South Africa’s first non-penalty World Cup goal since the 2010 tournament.
Bafana Bafana will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28 after the victory.

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Hong Takes Responsibility

South Korea lost 1-0 to South Africa after Coach Hong Myung-bo benched Captain Son Heung-min.
Hong said the benching was wrong and took full responsibility for the defeat.
Son expressed sorrow for not helping his teammates on the field.
The loss left South Korea with three points, meaning they must finish as a top third-place team to reach the round of 32.

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