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South Africa vs South Korea Predictions - Bafana Bafana's World Cup campaign to come to a close

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 25 Jun 2026

John Eastwood 25 Jun 2026

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South Africa struggled in first two matches, only earning one draw.
South Korea needs just one point to advance and has been impressive.
Prediction: South Korea to win, with Son Heung-min likely to score.

Expired

Heung-Min Son scored 2 goals in his last 4 games for South Korea (Getty)

South Africa have conceded early in both games at the World Cup to date and their game plan seems to be built on keeping the other side out for large periods. South Korea have a strong side, and although Bafana Bafana produced a solid display last time out, they will need to keep the ball out of their net if they wish to advance at this World Cup.

Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Korea Form
South Africa vs South Korea News & Predicted Lineups

South Africa have lost 4 of their last 9 matches.
South Korea have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
Heung-Min Son has scored 2 goals in his last 4 matches for South Korea.

Head to Head

This is going to be the first head to head match between these two sides.

South Africa Form

South Africa’s performances have been poor so far at the World Cup 2026 but still have a chance to reach the playoffs with a potential victory in the final round.

They had zero creativity in the tournament-opening clash against one of the co-hosts Mexico, losing this encounter 2-0 while posting just 0.08 expected goals while two of their players Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.

Bofana Bofana also had a slow start in the second round, conceding early against the Czech Republic, but stepped up in the last 20 minutes and found a late equalizer through Teboho Mokoena who scored from a penalty spot.

South Korea Form

South Korea are very close to advancing from Group A, in theory needing just one more point to secure second position, currently sitting at three points after two rounds.

The Taegeuk Warriors showed great discipline in their World Cup 2026 opening clash and deservedly defeated pre-match favorites Czech Republic 2-1, posting 2.30-0.83 xG, 61% possession and 15-7 shots here.

They deserved more from the second round 1-0 loss against Mexico, having higher xG, possession and more shots here. Cho Gue-Sung and Yang Hyun-Jun both missed huge opportunities in the second half.

South Africa vs South Korea News & Predicted Lineups

South Africa (4-2-3-1) Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Thalente Mbatha, Jayden Adams, Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa

Themba Zwane is still suspended after being sent off in the first round against Mexico, while Yaya Sithole is now available. Evidence Makgopa is expected to lead the offense this time since Lyle Foster didn't perform well.

South Korea (4-4-2) Jo Hyeon-woo; Seol Young-woo, Kim Min-jae, Kwon Kyung-won, Kim Jin-su; Hwang In-beom, Park Yong-woo, Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung; Son Heung-min, Cho Gue-sung

Son Heung-min is South Korea's all-time record appearance holder and sits second in the nation's all-time scoring charts, boasting 54 goals in 140 international caps.

Verdict

South Africa v South Korea

South Africa have no other choice but to be offensively oriented here, which should leave plenty of space for Korea’s wingers to cause damage through counter-attacks. I am backing the Asian side to win and their famous striker Heung-Min Son to find the net.

South Korea Win

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Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.