South Africa starting lineup vs South Korea confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match
(Courtesy : Getty)
Bafana Bafana remain in contention to qualify for the Round of 32 in tonight’s match.
South Africa take on South Korea in their final Group A clash in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico. Bafana Bafana kept their qualification hopes alive with a surprise 1-1 draw with Czechia in their last outing, and will need to clinch all three points tonight.
The African side, returning to FIFA’s flagship tournament after hosting it in 2010, suffered a demoralising 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening match. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez saw El Tri win a clash that saw three red cards, including two for Bafana Bafana.
However, Hugo Broos’ men roared back with a draw against Czechia in the next game. Despite being second-best for most of the match and conceding an early goal from Michal Sadilek, they claimed a crucial point through Teboho Mokoena’s 83rd-minute penalty.
Bafana Bafana, however, do not hold their fate in their own hands. Not only do they have to beat South Korea in tonight’s game, but they also have to hope that Czechia fail to win in their game against Mexico.
Also Read: South Africa vs South Korea: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026
Let’s look at the South Africa confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against South Korea:
South Africa (4-3-3): Ronwen Williams (c); Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Relebohile Mofokeng; Thapelo Maseko, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis.
Substitutes: Sipho Chaine (gk), Ricardo Goss (gk), Jayden Adams, Bradley Cross, Lyle Foster, Samukelo Kabini, Olwethu Makhanya, Thabang Matuludi, Tshepang Moremi, Khulumani Ndamane, Iqraam Rayners, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Thoughts on the lineup
Broos will be disappointed that the last match’s goalscorer, Mokoena, will miss the game due to a second yellow card that he picked up against Czechia. Instead, Sphephelo Sithole, who was sent off against Mexico, returns to the middle of the park. He is joined by Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng, with the latter replacing Jayden Adams.
Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa starts as the centre-forward. He is joined by Thapelo Maseko, who starts on the right, and Oswin Appollis, who starts on the left. However, the two wingers are sure to switch flanks as the match progresses.
Meanwhile, the young centre-back pairing of Ime Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi will shield the goal of captain Ronwen Williams, who starts between the sticks. The Mamelodi Sundowns pair of Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba start in the full-back positions.
When is South Africa vs South Korea FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group A clash is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico. In India, the match will kick off at 6:30 AM IST on June 25.
Where to watch South Africa vs South Korea match in India?
Fans in India can watch the game live on Zee5 (premium subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.