South Korea starting lineup vs South Africa confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match

South Korea will face South Africa for the first time at the FIFA World Cup.

Apart from their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, South Korea’s North American campaign has been filled with drama. From a media blackout to complaints of spying, the team’s run in the ongoing competition has already become memorable for both good and bad reasons.

In the last game of the group stage, they will face South Africa, who drew 2-2 with Czechia last week. The match is set to be played at the Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Wednesday, June 24.

Taking a look at Korea’s performance in their two initial matches, they defeated Czechia 2-1 in their tournament opener. Second-half goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu helped the Taegeuk Warriors overcome the deficit created by Ladislav Krejci.

However, they faced a heartbreaking loss to co-hosts Mexico in their second game. The game ended 1-0 in favour of Mexico, courtesy of Luis Romo’s goal in the 50th minute. Romo tapped the ball in at the right moment after Kim Seung-gyu let the ball go following a collision with a teammate.

With two wins, Mexico became the first team to qualify for the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, a win against South Africa will help the Taegeuk Warriors secure a top-two finish in Group A and a place in the knockout round.

Also Read: South Africa vs South Korea: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026

South Korea lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against South Africa

South Korea XI (3-4-2-1): Kim Seung-gyu (GK), Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae (C), Lee Gi-hyuk, Tae-Soek Lee, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Tae-seok, Seol Young-woo, Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan, Oh Hyeon-gyu

Thoughts on the lineup

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min has been dropped to the bench. Oh Hyeon-gyu will lead the attacking line-up as the frontman, while Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan will support him creatively and aim to create further goalscoring opportunities.

For the most crucial part in the line-up, the Taegeuk Warriors have taken no risk against Bafana Bafana, as Tae-Soek Lee, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, and Lee Tae-seok will run the game from the middle.

Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Gi-hyeok will form the three-man defence for Hong Myung-bo’s side. Despite a mistake leading to a goal against Mexico, Kim Seung-gyu will continue as South Korea’s goalkeeper.

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