South Africa claimed a 1–0 victory over South Korea in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, capitalising on clinical finishing despite ceding possession. The hosts, deployed in a 4–2–3–1 formation, absorbed sustained South Korean pressure—the visitors dominated with 68 per cent possession and 8 shots—but converted their limited opportunities with ruthless efficiency. South Africa's xG of 1.1 from 13 shots proved decisive, while their goalkeeper delivered an outstanding performance, saving all three shots on target faced and posting a 100 per cent save percentage, adding 1.42 goals above expected. South Korea's 3–4–2–1 shape generated 1.0 xG but their finishing faltered; their goalkeeper faced four shots on target yet conceded one, reflecting the wastefulness that ultimately cost them. Referee Facundo Raul Tello Figueroa oversaw a match defined by South African discipline and South Korean dominance without reward. This result leaves South Korea needing to improve conversion rates in their remaining group fixtures.