Get our South Africa vs South Korea prediction, lineups, and betting tips ahead of Thursday's match. We analyze the latest odds and bet builder picks.
South Africa vs South Korea Match Summary
Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Match Date | Thursday 25 June 2026 |
Match Time | 02:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Monterrey, Estadio Monterrey |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | BBC 2, RTE 2 |
It all comes down to this in Group A, with South Africa and South Korea meeting in Monterrey knowing that qualification for the knockout rounds is on the line.
South Africa sit bottom of the table on a single point, so it is win or bust for Bafana Bafana. Anything less and their tournament is over on Thursday.
South Korea are sitting pretty in second on three points. A draw is enough to see them through, which hands them a clear edge in this fixture.
This is the first competitive meeting between the two nations, and the stakes could not be higher with a Round of 32 spot up for grabs.
South Africa vs South Korea Form
South Africa have been stubborn but blunt, drawing 1-1 with Czechia thanks to a Teboho Mokoena penalty after a 2-0 defeat to Mexico. They dominated possession against the Czechs but could not score from open play. Mokoena and Themba Zwane are both suspended for this one.
South Korea have looked the more dangerous side, beating Czechia 2-1 before a narrow 1-0 loss to hosts Mexico. Hong Myung-bo's men carry the bigger threat going forward, with Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in pulling the strings in the engine room. They head in with a fully fit squad.
South Africa vs South Korea Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
South Africa: Teboho Mokoena (Suspended), Themba Zwane (Suspended)
South Korea: No injuries or suspensions reported.
South Africa
Bafana Bafana have a reshuffle on their hands. Sphephelo Sithole returns to the engine room after serving his ban, while Mokoena sits out through suspension after a second booking. Relebohile Mofokeng could come in for Jayden Adams as South Africa chase the win they need.
South Korea
South Korea are in far calmer waters. Hong Myung-bo has no fitness concerns and is expected to keep faith with the same side, with Lee Jae-sung holding onto his place. An unchanged, settled line-up suits a team needing only a draw.
South Africa vs South Korea Predicted Lineup
South Africa
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: R. Williams; K. Mudau, M. Mbokazi, I. Okon, A. Modiba; T. Mbatha, Y. Sithole, R. Mofokeng; T. Maseko, I. Rayners, O. Appollis. Substitutes: To be confirmed.
South Korea
Formation: 3-4-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: K. Seung-Gyu; L. Gi-Hyuk, K. Min-Jae, L. Han-Beom; K. Moon-Hwan, P. Seung-Ho, H. In-Beom, S. Young-Woo; L. Kang-In, S. Heung-Min, L. Jae-Sung. Substitutes: To be confirmed.
South Africa vs South Korea Key Stats & Match Facts
This is the first ever competitive senior international meeting between South Africa and South Korea.
South Africa go into the fixture bottom of Group A on one point and must win to qualify.
South Korea need only a draw to seal a spot in the Round of 32.
South Africa's only goal of the tournament so far has come from a penalty, with no return from open play.
South Korea have averaged roughly 60% possession across their opening two outings.
South Africa vs South Korea Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: South Korea carry the greater quality and only need a point, and we expect them to edge a tight one. We are calling it a 2-1 win for Hong Myung-bo's side.
Best Bets
South Korea are the clear pick to take the points and we like them at 3/4 with AK Bets, a fair price on the side our prediction favours.
With both sides carrying goal threat and South Africa forced to chase, Both Teams To Score Yes looks tempting at 21/20 with William Hill.
South Africa vs South Korea Bet Builder
Our four-leg bet builder leans on South Korea's attacking edge, an attacking output from Aubrey Modiba, a fiery South Africa card count and the goal threat from both ends.
Leg one is Over 1.5 South Korea team goals. They have hit that line in five of their last seven and carry the sharper cutting edge in this fixture.
Leg two is Aubrey Modiba Over 0.5 shots on target. The full-back has landed that in four of his last five outings as a regular threat from the left.
Leg three is Over 1.5 South Africa team cards. Bafana Bafana have seen this hit in three of their last three, and a must-win night should keep tempers high.
The fourth leg ties it together, backing the side our prediction favours to bring the goals and pressure that make this slip tick over.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 16/1 and is as short as 10/1 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £60 from best to worst price.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
South Africa vs South Korea Talking Points
This is a clash of needs. South Africa must throw caution to the wind and find the open-play goals that have eluded them, while South Korea can sit in and play the percentages knowing a draw does the job. Son Heung-min is still chasing his first goal of the tournament and a settled Korean side will fancy their chances of punishing a Bafana Bafana team forced to take risks. Expect South Africa to push, but Korea's greater control should tell.
South Africa vs South Korea Predictions FAQs
When is the South Africa vs South Korea World Cup 2026 game?
The South Africa vs South Korea match is scheduled for Thursday 25 June 2026, kicking off at 02:00 UK time.
Where can I find South Africa vs South Korea lineups?
Confirmed lineups and team news for South Africa vs South Korea will be announced shortly before kick-off on Thursday.
What is the best prediction for South Africa vs South Korea?
Our prediction highlights a closely contested match, with both teams looking to secure vital points in the World Cup 2026 group stage.
What are the latest betting odds for South Africa vs South Korea?
The latest betting odds and market prices for this fixture are available at major sportsbooks, featuring options for match winner, goals, and bet builders.
Disclaimer
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