South Africa
World CupWhy this tip?
Bafana do not usually create many chances in a match but in this do or die contest, they have no option but to attack. They must take their chance when the goal scoring opportunity arises. I am backing Bafana to score on the counter and win this encounter 1-0
Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Matchday 3
Date: 25 June 2026
Kick-off time: 03:00 (SA Time)
Venue: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico
Match Details
Bafana Bafana were thrown a lifeline against Czechia when they managed to find a late equaliser via the penalty spot. They will have everything to do when they meet South Korea on Matchday 3. The venue for the clash will be the iconic Estadio BBVA in Monterrey. South African audiences must be up early on Thursday 25 June as the match kicks off at 03:00( SA time).
Why This Match Matters
The draw against Czechia has given South Africa the opportunity to dream of the knockout stages but standing in their way is the small matter of South Korea. The Asians can progress to the next stage with just a draw while nothing but a victory will be enough for South Africa. It is a tall ask for the South African team but this could work in their favour as they know nothing but a win will be enough. The good news for Bafana is that Korea has only managed to win once in four previous clashes with African teams.
South Africa vs South Korea Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
This is the first ever meeting between the sides in international football. Bafana can take some heart from the fact that South Korea has only won once in four matches against African teams in the World Cup.
South Africa’s Recent Form
South Africa’s last five matches: LDDLD
Recent results include:
18/06/2026 (World Cup): Czechia 1-1 South Africa
11/06/2026 (World Cup): Mexico 2-0 South Africa
06/06/2026 (Friendly): Jamaica 1-1 South Africa
29/05/2026 (Friendly): South Africa 0-0 Nicaragua
31/03/2026 (Friendly): South Africa 1-2 Panama
Recent form: There were alarm bells ringing for Bafana Bafana even before they started their World Cup campaign as they failed to win any of their matches leading up to the tournament. They could only manage a draw against Nicaragua and lost to Panama. Those pre-tournament fears were confirmed when they hardly fired a shot in anger in the loss to Mexico. Bafana stopped the rot with a much needed draw against Czechia in their last match.
South Korea’s Recent Form
South Korea’s last five matches: LWWWL
Recent results include:
19/06/2026 (World Cup): Mexico 1-0 South Korea
12/06/2026 (World Cup): South Korea 2-1 Czechia
04/06/2026 (Friendly): South Korea 1-0 El Salvador
31/05/2026 (Friendly): South Korea 5-0 Trinidad & Tobago
31/03/2026 (Friendly): Austria 1-0 South Korea
Recent form: South Korea warmed up for the World Cup with wins over El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago with the victory over the island boys, a particularly impressive 5-0 romp. They maintained their form with a come from behind victory over Czechia in the opening round before falling to Mexico in a hard fought 1-0 loss.
Team News
South Africa Team News
Following his one-game suspension, Sphephelo Sithole is likely to resume his duties in the midfield in South Africa’s team along with fellow teammates, namely Jayden Adams and Thalente Mbatha, in the encounter against South Korea. Nevertheless, coach Hugo Broos will not have at his disposal midfielder Teboho Mokoena owing to the latter’s suspension on account of the accumulation of two yellow cards.
Injuries: There are no fresh injury concerns.
Suspensions: Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane are both suspended.
Key players to watch: Bafana Bafana will once again rely on captain Ronwen Williams, whose shot-stopping ability could be crucial against South Korea’s talented attack. Iqraam Rayners will be expected to provide the goal threat with Lyle Parker coming up the bench to assist. Oswin Appollis and Oswin Maseko will look to use their pace and creativity to trouble the Korean defence. In midfield, Sphephelo Sithole returns from suspension and, alongside Thalente Mbatha and Jayden Adams, will be tasked with winning the battle for possession. Defensively,Siyabonga Ngezana Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, will need to be at their best to contain the dangerous Son Heung-min.
South Korea Team News
South Korea are expected to stick with their experienced attacking trio despite the 1-0 defeat to Mexico. Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung were withdrawn after Mexico’s goal but should return to the starting lineup. Paris Saint-Germain star Lee Kang-in remains their key creative threat, while matchday one goalscorer Oh Hyun-gyu may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Injuries: There are no injury concerns ahead of this match.
Suspensions: No suspensions
Key players to watch: South Korea will look to captain Son Heung-min to provide the inspiration in attack, with his pace, movement and finishing ability making him their biggest threat. Lee Kang-in is the creative spark in the side and will be tasked with unlocking the South African defence through his vision and technical quality. Lee Jae-sung offers vision and experience in the final third, while Hwang In-beom and Paik Seung-ho will aim to control the midfield battle.
Predicted Lineups
South Africa Predicted XI
Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams; Oswin Maseko, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners.
South Korea Predicted XI
Kim Seung-gyu; Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, Lee Gi-je, Kim Min-hyeok; Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Seol Young-woo; Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung; Son Heung-min.
Best Betting Markets for South Africa vs South Korea
Match Winner
Prediction: South Africa to win @ (5.40) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals @(1.78) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score- No @ (1.76) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Oswin Appollis to score anytime @ (5.00) at Easybet
South Africa vs South Korea Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: South Africa to win and under 2.5 goals @(9.00) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: South Africa 1-0 Korea @ (10.0) at Easybet
Match analysis and verdict
Bafana Bafana play their best football when they play instinctively and most of the team love to attack. They need to pressurise the Koreans from the onset and bully them physically. The Asians can be deadly when they are given time on the ball so the South Africans need to be pressing for the full 90 minutes. This will not be easy but the likes of Jayden Adams and Oswin Maseko need to control the midfield with quality possession. It goes without saying that Captain Ronwen Williams needs to lead from the front.
If Bafana concede first, then their difficult task will be mission impossible. The defence of Bafana holds the key as they should win the aerial battle quite easily but they will need to stop supply to the dangerman Son Heung-min. The mercurial winger may be in the twilight of his career but he still is the most attacking weapon for the Koreans. Bafana do not usually create many chances in a match but in this do or die contest, they have no option but to attack. They must take their chance when the goal scoring opportunity arises. I am backing Bafana to score on the counter and win this encounter 1-0
Prediction: South Africa 1 – 0 South Korea
Writer / Betting tipster
I am what you call a sporting all-rounder with my favourite sports being rugby, football and cricket. I have been actively writing rugby and football articles for the last decade. These include previews, reviews and interesting topical pieces. I am a huge fan of Liverpool and a passionate supporter of the Springboks. My interests in recent years have also included iGaming as this is one of the fastest growing betting markets. Follow me for the best rugby odds in South Africa as I continue to find you the best bookie to place your bets.
