South Africa’s hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds will be put to the test when they face South Korea in their final Group A encounter at Monterrey Stadium on Thursday morning.
With qualification still within reach for both nations, the contest carries significant weight. South Korea know victory will secure their passage to the next stage, while South Africa are chasing a result that could deliver a historic breakthrough.
Bafana Bafana returned to the global showpiece this year for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 and have experienced contrasting fortunes across their opening two matches. Hugo Broos‘s side began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, where goals from Julian Quinones and Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez proved decisive.
They responded with a spirited display against the Czech Republic, earning a valuable 1-1 draw to keep their qualification hopes alive. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena, one of six Mamelodi Sundowns players named in the starting lineup that day, converted from the penalty spot to score his 10th international goal and rescue a point for the South Africans.
That result ensured South Africa remained in contention heading into the final round of group fixtures. A victory on Thursday would place them in a strong position to reach the last 32, something they have never achieved in any of their previous World Cup appearances.
South Africa vs South Korea: where to watch, probable lineups
Prediction
South Korea appear better equipped for the occasion and boast greater quality across the pitch. With qualification on the line and proven match-winners in attack, the Taegeuk Warriors are tipped to edge a closely contested encounter.
Prediction: South Africa 1-2 South Korea
Betting tip
- South Korea to win (1.65) on 1xBet.
Player to watch
Oswin Appollis
Pitch inspection at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico ahead of the big match against South Korea on Thursday morning 03:00am SA Time. #BafanaPride#BafanaBafana#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/t4o9SoQiNr
β Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 24, 2026
If South Africa are to keep their World Cup dream alive, much could depend on Oswin Appollis. The Orlando Pirates forward enjoyed an outstanding campaign at club level last season, registering 11 goals and nine assists.
He has also become a key figure for the national team, contributing nine goals and eight assists across 29 appearances. His pace, direct running and eye for goal make him one of Bafana Bafana’s most dangerous attacking weapons heading into this decisive clash.
