South Africa head into their final group-stage clash against South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive, with any other result set to confirm their exit.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the June 25th clash at the Estadio Monterrey.
South Africa vs South Korea match preview
South Africa enter this match having picked up just a single point in their first two games of the tournament. Bafana Bafana began their campaign with a 2-0 win over co-host Mexico in the opening game of the tournament which saw two of their players sent off in that encounter.
They improved in their second game and recorded a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic, with Teboho Mokoena scoring a late penalty to seal their first point of the tournament. However, any thing other than a win against South Korea will now see them crash out of the World Cup in their first appearance since they hosted the tournament in 2010.
⚽️ Bafana Bafana vs South Korea
📅 Thursday, 25 June 2026
🏟️ Monterrey Stadium, Mexico
🕕 Kick-off: 03:00am SA Time
🖥 SABC 1/3 & SABC+#Fifaworldcup#BafanaPride #BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/jHPJXApeQH— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 22, 2026
South Korea, on the other hand, head into this clash needing just a point to qualify to the Round of 32. The Asian side beat Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match, coming back from a goal down to record victory. However, their momentum was halted in the second game when they were defeated 1-0 by Mexico. They need to avoid defeat to qualify from the group as runners-up, irrespective of the result between Mexico and Czech in the other match.
South Africa vs South Korea Head-to-Head
This will be a first-ever meeting between both sides at senior level.
Best betting odds
Away (South Korea) to Win or Draw – 1.18 (via 1xBet)
South Africa’s fate in their own hands against South Korea – Henry Makinwa
Prediction
South Korea are the better side and have enough quality to seal the point they need to advance to the knockout rounds, sending South Africa crashing out of the tournament.
Recent form: South Africa
South Africa have picked up just one point from their two games so dar at the World Cup, while their winless run extends to seven games across all competitions.
Bafana Bafana only managed one clean sheet during this period, while they failed to score in two games as well, including the 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their World Cup opener.
Rohr backs Morocco, Senegal for great World Cup run and laments Nigeria’s absence
Recent form: South Korea
South Korea’s defeat to Mexico was their first in four games across all competitions, winning the previous three matches which also included a 2-1 win over Czech in their World Cup opener.
The Asian side have managed two clean sheets during this time, although they have now conceded in both of their matches so far at the Mundial.
Player to watch
Ime Okon (South Africa)
‘A little cocky’ – Mhlongo star demands more from Mokoena after Czech draw
Hannover defender Ime Okon has been one of South Africa’s best performers so far at the World Cup and has already played the full 90 minutes in both games so far.
His aerial dominance and passing ability will be put to test by a very technical South Korean side and his battle against Heung-Min Som will be very key to watch.
