South Africa vs South Korea: prediction & betting odds 25 June 2026

Form and Line-up South Africa

South Africa are playing at their fourth World Cup and their first since the home tournament in 2010. Their start in Group A has been difficult: a defeat to Mexico (0:2) and a draw with Czechia (1:1), just one point and last place. There are still chances, but the situation is harsh: the team need a win over South Korea, otherwise talk of a first-ever place in the playoffs is almost over.

Broos has already moved away from an overly cautious set-up after the match against Mexico, but now there is another problem. South Africa need to attack without Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane, and those are two important players for balance and possession in midfield. The team are more comfortable playing compactly, competing for second balls and getting the ball quickly to Lyle Foster or out wide. When the home team are forced to control the game themselves, they immediately have fewer ideas in positional attack and more risk when they lose possession.

Key numbers:

• South Africa have not won any of their last five matches: three draws and two defeats.

• In their last five matches, South Africa have never scored more than one goal.

• Under 2.5 goals has landed in South Africa's last four matches.

Probable line-up (4-3-3): Ronwen Williams — Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba — Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Jayden Adams — Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, Thapelo Maseko.

Absentees: Teboho Mokoena misses the match through suspension for accumulated yellow cards. Themba Zwane is serving a three-match ban after being sent off against Mexico.

Form and Line-up South Korea

South Korea sit second with three points. The team began the tournament with a comeback win over Czechia (2:1), then lost to Mexico (0:1) after an error by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. A draw is enough for South Korea to qualify from second place, but shutting up shop completely is dangerous: the team are stronger when they play through quick passing, movement between the lines and Son Heung-min's runs.

The playing style is clear. South Korea are quicker than South Africa in transitions and work better with the ball around the penalty area. Lee Kang-in operates cleverly between the lines, Son and Hwang Hee-chan open up space, and Hwang In-beom links midfield and attack. But there is also a risk. If South Korea start playing to protect the result too early, they will remove their own main weapon — pace. In addition, after the mistake against Mexico, the goalkeeping position has become a trigger point.

Key numbers:

• South Korea have won three of their last five matches.

• In four of South Korea's last five games, one of the teams failed to score.

• Both South Korea matches at the 2026 World Cup were decided by one goal.

Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Kim Seung-gyu — Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom, Seol Young-woo — Paik Seung-ho, Hwang In-beom — Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-min — Oh Hyeon-gyu.

Absentees: —.

Who will referee the match 

Facundo Tello (Argentina) 

Matches – 15 (International matches, 2025 - 2026);

Average fouls per match – 24;

Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 4,7;

Matches with a straight red card – 6 out of 15;

Matches with a penalty – 8 out of 15.