South Africa beat USA to reach U-20 World Cup knockout stages
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South Africa sealed their place in the knockout stages of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 with a spirited 2–1 win over the United States in Rancagua on Sunday — a result that marks their best-ever group stage performance at the tournament.
Amajita showed resilience and purpose to overturn an early deficit after Noah Cobb had given the Americans a 12th-minute lead, heading in from a Matthew Corcoran free-kick.
Their response came swiftly — Siviwe Magidigidi’s pressure forced Joshua Wynder into an own goal five minutes later to level the score.
Raymond Mdaka’s side then took control, and their dominance was rewarded just before half-time when Shakeel April’s clever cut-back found Gomolemo Kekana unmarked, who calmly slotted home to complete the turnaround.
The African champions could have extended their lead after the break, but USA goalkeeper Adam Beaudry produced superb saves to deny Kekana’s long-range effort and Mfundo Vilakazi late on.
Despite the defeat, the Americans still advanced as Group E winners, while South Africa finished second on goal difference — their two wins setting a new national record at the U-20 World Cup.
“It was a performance full of heart and character,” said South Africa coach Raymond Mdaka.
“We showed good tactical awareness and played with belief. The boys wanted this result, and they earned it. We must now prepare for the next challenge with the same hunger.”
South Africa’s victory sends them into the last 16 for the first time since Egypt 2009, where they will face the winners of Group F.
With their fluid attacking play and growing confidence, the African champions will fancy their chances of continuing their dream run in Chile.
