How South Africa Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face South Korea in the FIFA World Cup
Ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 face-off with South Korea on June 25, South Africa is predicted to field a 4-2-3-1 formation. Key players Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena are suspended, opening opportunities for Thalente Mbatha, Jayden Adams, and Rele Mofokeng to step up in midfield. Ronwen Williams is expected to start in goal, while Evidence Makgopa is tipped to lead the attack. The lineup balances experience and youth as the team aims for a crucial result.
- South Africa plays South Korea on June 25 in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Key midfielders are suspended; 22-year-old Mofokeng is tipped to start.
- Ronwen Williams, Thalente Mbatha, and Evidence Makgopa are key predicted picks.
Relebohile Mofokeng is pushing to start this match for Bafana Bafana (Getty Images).
South Africa face South Korea in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 03:00 SAST at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe on Thursday, 25 June.
Below you can find the predicted starting XI for Bafana Bafana.
GOALKEEPER
Ronwen Williams is certain to play in goal in this one.
DEFENCE
Khuliso Mudau will be the right back, whilst Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire will be the left centre back.
Ime Okon and Aubrey Modiba are set to complete the defence as the quartet have started both previous matches in this tournament.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane are suspended for this match. Sphephelo Sithole of CD Tondela is available again, but is not certain to start.
Thalente Mbatha and Jayden Adams are tipped to form a double pivot with Rele Mofokeng as the number ten. Sadly, 36-year-old Themba Zwane is suspended.
ATTACK
Oswin Appollis looks a certain pick on the left wing. Thapelo Maseko did enough against the Czech Republic to keep his place down the right.
In the number nine role, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners and Evidence Makgopa are competing to start. The latter is predicted to get the nod.
Predicted lineup in full (4-2-3-1 formation):
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) - Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates).
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