Thursday delivers a make-or-break encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A high-stakes Group A battle awaits at Estadio Monterrey as South Africa takes on South Korea in their final group-stage fixture.
South Africa heads into the match needing a victory to stand any chance of progressing after collecting just one point from their opening two games. South Korea sits in a more comfortable position and can secure qualification with a draw.
Read our South Africa vs South Korea prediction to see which side has more riding on this crucial clash.
South Africa vs South Korea prediction for the 2026 World Cup
Who advances and who packs their bags? This is the game that could shape the entire tournament for South Africa and South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Here is our recommended bet:
Corners South Korea Win
Who are the favourites?
Based on the leading UK-licensed bookmakers, South Korea is tipped to come out on top, with 46% of the odds leaning towards their win.
Looking for more? Browse all the World Cup odds and dig into this and other ties from the planet's biggest football tournament.
South Africa vs South Korea: head-to-head
South Africa and South Korea share no recent head-to-head record, so this is effectively their first meeting in years.
South Africa at the 2026 World Cup
South Africa arrive having already played 2 match(es) at the 2026 World Cup. Here is the record for South Africa National Team:
At the World Cup:
0 win(s), 1 draw(s) and 1 loss(es)
0.5 point(s) per game on average
1 goals scored at the World Cup (0.5 per game)
3 goals conceded at the World Cup (1.5 per game)
South Africa National Team in 2026
6 win(s), 7 draw(s) and 3 loss(es) in all competitions
Leading scorer: Jayden Adams with 2 goal(s)
Most assists: Oswin Reagan Appollis with 4
South Korea at the 2026 World Cup
South Korea go into this tie with 2 match(es) already behind them at the 2026 World Cup.
Here is what South Korea National Team have managed so far:
At the World Cup
1 win(s), 0 draw(s) and 1 loss(es)
1.5 point(s) per game on average
2 goals scored at the World Cup (1 per game)
2 goals conceded at the World Cup (1 per game)
South Korea National Team in 2026
14 win(s), 5 draw(s) and 3 loss(es) in all competitions
Leading scorer: Heung-Min Son with 10 goal(s)
Most assists: Lee Kang-in with 6
South Africa vs South Korea statistics at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Before you stake anything, look over the side-by-side comparison that sheds light on each nation's current form for this World Cup tie:
South Africa
International - World Cup
South Korea
International - World Cup
| Form | Last 5 | PPG |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | L W W W L |
1.8 |
| Home | W W W L W |
2.4 |
| Away | L L D D W |
1 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 50% | 100% | 0% |
| Goals | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Scored | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Conceded | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Both Teams to Score | 50% | 100% | 0% |
| Without Conceding | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Failed To Score | 50% | 0% | 100% |
| 1st to Score | 0% | 0% | 0% |
|
xG
|
1.33 | 1.65 | 1.01 |
|
xGA
|
0.98 | 1.04 | 0.92 |
South Africa vs South Korea probable lineups
See our likely starting eleven below for our South Africa vs South Korea prediction at the 2026 World Cup.
South Africa Predicted XI: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, Thapelo Maseko, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners.
South Korea Predicted XI: Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, Lee Gi-Hyuk, Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Kim Moon-hwan, Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung
The confirmed lineups will be available close to the kickoff time.
How to watch South Africa vs South Korea live in the UK
Find out below where you can catch South Africa vs South Korea live during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Just remember, kick-off is at 02:00 UK time.
For the full schedule, check our our World Cup live streaming page.
More betting tips for this match
Alongside the main tip given at the top of this article, here are some other strong bets for South Africa vs South Korea:
Further 2026 World Cup predictions
Browse all of our 2026 FIFA World Cup predictions and keep up with the sharpest analysis from start to finish of the tournament.
Match details: South Africa vs South Korea
🆚 Fixture South Africa vs South Korea
🏆 Tournament 2026 FIFA World Cup
📅 Date Thursday, 25/06/2026
🕐 Kick-off 02:00 UK time
🏟️ Venue Estadio BBVA Bancomer, Avenida Pablo Livas 2011, Colonia La Pastora
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Sports betting analyst with over 15 years of experience. At APWin, he writes football predictions, reviews bookmakers and explains the reasoning behind every bet.