South Africa will have one last shot at making it through to the knockout stages at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they take on South Korea early Thursday morning in Monterrey.
Bafana Bafana fought hard to earn a crucial point in a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in their last game. Following an opening day to co-hosts Mexico, they are currently bottom of Group A with a point.
This means that only a win will give them a spot in the round of 32 as they gear up for their final Group game.
They take on a South Korea side who are desperate to bounce back after a narrow 1-0 loss to Mexico in their second match of the tournament. Prior to the loss, they got their campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory against the Czech.
With Mexico already securing their spot in the knockout phase, only one guaranteed position remains, making this a highly anticipated and important fixture for both nations.
The Koreans are seeking some consistency having made two early exits and two knockout appearances at the last four World Cups. They were knocked out in the round of 16 at the last edition in Qatar after a humbling 4-1 loss to Brazil.
Hugo Broos’ side has not featured in a World Cup since they hosted it in 2010, and even then they failed to make it out of the Group stage.
Can Bafana Bafana make history here by making it into the knockout stages for the first time, or will Korea bounce back and book their place in the round of 32?
Here is a detailed preview of the match as well as our predicted outcome.
What time does South Africa vs Korea start?
The match kicks off at 4AM E.A.T at the Estadio BBVA
South Africa vs Korea team news
Bafana Bafana are still without the services of Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane who were both sent off in the opening day defeat to Mexico.
Teboho Mokoena and Jayden Adams came into the team against the Czech, with the duo expected to retain their spots in the starting XI as Broos looks to name his strongest possible XI.
Forward Lyle Foster was an unused substitute in their last game and will be on the bench here as well as Evidence Makgopa, who came on just past the hour mark in the last match.
The Koreans are not expected to make any changes to the side that started in the defeat to Mexico.
Hwang In-Beom and Oh Hyeon-Gyu have gotten both of their goals so far in the tournament and are both going to start for the Koreans.
South Africa vs Korea head-to-head and current form
Bafana Bafana’s winless run stretched to seven games and their desperation to finally get a win is at its peak now. In that run, they have lost three times and they need to be at their best because another point will not be enough to see them through.
The loss to Mexico halted a three-game winning streak for Korea, who have now lost two of their last five games. They have scored eight goals in that run and conceded just twice.
This will be the first ever match played between these two nations.
Current form:
South Africa – DLDDL
South Korea – LWWWL
South Africa vs Korea prediction
With all that is at stake in this match, we can expect both sides to put their best attacking foot forward in search of victory.
South Africa’s winless run may play a huge role against a tireless and electric Korean side, with their defensive woes at risk of being exposed once again.
Prediction – Both teams to score – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!