South Africa vs South Korea | FIFA World Cup 2026- Group Stages | Preview and Predictions

South Africa and South Korea face each other knowing that both have a good chance to qualify for the next round if they manage to get a victory in this contest. Both sides need the win, albeit with different permutations as this eventually could be the game that decides whether Group A will have two or 3 teams qualifying.

Here is our Preview and Predictions for the game.

FIFA WC26 | Group A: RSA vs KOR | 06:30 IST, 25 June, 2026

South Africa have thoroughly flattered to deceive in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana entered this tournament with a lot of expectation from Hugo Broos and his men, but the level of performance has been very very disappointing in both the games.

In the first game against Mexico, they were given an absolute runaround by the co-hosts and were fortunate that they lost by just 2. Moreover, 2 red cards in that game did not help their cause either as they slumped to 9 men while chasing the game at the same time.

Against Czechia, there was a slight improvement, but looking at them you would not feel like there was a substantial attempt to take the game to the opponent, and it took a late spot-kick for them to eventually get them a share of the points. Not the best way to announce your return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence.

South Korea have been good value for their performances in this tournament so far. They made a stirring comeback to win 2-1 against the Czechs after falling a goal behind, and were good for most of the game against Mexico before eventually falling to a 1-0 defeat.

The biggest problem that the Koreans face is that despite their free-flowing and front-foot style of play, they have been guilty of missing a lot of chances in front of goal, and none of them embodies that more than their talisman Heung-min Son. The LAFC man has missed some big chances, none more so against Mexico.

For Korea to go to the next round, they will have to bury their chances and with regularity as they seek to enhance their goal difference as well.

We believe that South Korea will be favourites to win this match and qualify for the Round of 32.

Score Predictions: South Africa 0- 3 South Korea.

Venue: Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe.