Preview: South Africa vs South Korea prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Two points separate South Africa and South Korea in Group A.

Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, will host an enthralling encounter between South Africa and South Korea in the third game of Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both nations will be competing with Czechia and Mexico to qualify for the knock-out phase of the competition.

South Africa played their opening game against Mexico and suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss. South Africa have made significant improvements under the guidance of Hugo Broos in recent years. He took over the team in May 2021 and has guided them to their first World Cup qualification since 2010. South Africa were on the verge of being eliminated from the tournament but received a lifeline after Teboho Mokoena scored an 83rd-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.

South Korea, on the other hand, had an incredible opening to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They secured a narrow 2-1 win over Czechia in the first game, but were then handed their first defeat of the tournament by Mexico. South Korea qualified for the Round of 16 during the previous edition of the competition and will look to improve on it this time around. A draw will be enough for South Korea to secure second place in Group A.

Kick-off:

• Location: Guadalupe, Mexico
• Stadium: Monterrey Stadium
• Date: Thursday, 25 June
• Kick-off Time: 6:30 AM (IST) | 01:00 AM (GMT) | 24/06/2026 – 08:00 PM (EST)
• Referee: Not decided
• VAR: In use

Form:

South Africa (in all competitions): D-L-D-D-L

South Korea (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-L

Players to watch out for:

Oswin Appollis (South Africa)

The South African winger plays his club football for Orlando Pirates in the South African Premier Division. He registered nine goals and six assists in his 30 league appearances. He is versatile and can play on both wings. He has not made a significant impact at the World Cup so far, but he can turn up for this must-win game.

Son Heung-Min (South Korea)

Son Heung Min is the all-time joint top goalscorer of the South Korean national team. In 146 appearances, Son has scored 56 goals for his country. His role in the team has changed a bit as he is mainly operating as a sole striker in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he can still make a difference against South Korea with his technical ability and clinical shooting.

Match Facts:

• This will be the first-ever competitive encounter between South Africa and South Korea.
• South Africa played a 1-1 draw against Czechia in their last game.
• South Korea lost 1-0 against Mexico in their last game.

South Africa vs South Korea: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: South Korea to win – 1.64 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – Yes – 1.71 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.66 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena will not be available for South Africa as both of them are serving their respective suspensions.

South Korea on the other hand have their entire squad available for selection.

Head-to-Head:

This will be the first-ever competitive encounter between South Africa and South Korea.

Predicted Lineups:

South Africa (4-3-3)

Williams (GK); Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Sithole, Adams; Maseko, Rayners, Appollis

South Korea (3-4-2-1)

Seung-gyu (GK); Han-Beom Lee, Min-jae, Gi-Hyuk Lee; Kim, In-beom, Paik, Seol; Kang-in Lee, Jae-sung Lee; Heung-Min

Match Prediction:

South Korea are the favourite to come away with a victory from this clash. Despite South Africa’s individual quality, South Korea will prove too much for them.

Prediction: South Africa 1-2 South Korea

Telecast details:

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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