South Africa vs South Korea – Prediction, where to watch, kick-off time and line-ups 25-06

South Africa and South Korea meet for a crucial clash in the third round of the World Cup 2026 group stage. The match takes place this Thursday, 25 June at 2 AM (BST), at the Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico.

Both nations enter this final group game with their chances of qualification hanging in the balance. After securing a draw in their last match, South Africa might progress after a convincing win, while South Korea are looking to bounce back from a defeat against Mexico. Our betting tips for South Africa vs. South Korea suggest a tightly contested affair.

Keep reading for a detailed analysis and our expert betting tips for this important fixture.

South Africa vs. South Korea - Head-to-head record

This World Cup group stage fixture will mark a historic occasion, as South Africa and South Korea face each other for the first time in a senior international match.

The South Africa vs. South Korea clash represents a completely clean slate, meaning both sides must adapt and learn their opponent’s style as the match unfolds on the world’s biggest stage.

Attention must shift entirely to how each nation has performed in their recent games. Tactical setups and the form of key players will likely be the decisive factors in this unprecedented meeting.

South Africa - Searching for a crucial win

South Africa head into this final group stage match needing a victory to stand any chance of progressing to the knockout rounds. Here, we’ll take a closer look at their current form and recent results.

Recent form

South Africa has gathered just one point from their initial two World Cup matches. They started with a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico. Their second game saw them secure a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, with Teboho Mokoena converting a late penalty to maintain their qualification prospects.

The Bafana Bafana’s broader form reveals a struggle for victories, as they have not won any of their last seven games across all competitions. This sequence includes draws against Jamaica and Nicaragua in pre-tournament friendlies. Their last win was a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage in December 2025, showing inconsistent results.

Even worse, Mokoena and Zwane can’t play in this match because of disciplinary issues (yellow and red cards).

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for South Africa

Williams; Mbokazi, Mudau, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Sithole, Adams; Maseko, Appollis, Rayners.

Manager: Hugo Broos.

South Korea - Looking to bounce back

Let’s turn our attention to South Korea. We will analyse their current form, recent matches, and standout players for this crucial World Cup fixture.

Recent form

South Korea enters this final group game with three points in the World Cup. They secured a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their opener, but then suffered a 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico. This leaves their qualification hopes finely balanced.

The Taegeuk Warriors have a decent overall record, winning 12 of their last 21 matches. Pre-tournament wins against El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago showcased their attacking potential. Midfielder Hwang In-beom has been a standout, contributing a goal and an assist in the World Cup, while captain Son Heung-min aims to find the back of the net.

With only Yu-min unable to play and no reported injuries, South Korea can count on almost all their players for this duel. Their varied form, including some inconsistencies against European sides, means they will need to be at their best in the South Africa vs. South Korea encounter to secure progression.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for South Korea

Seung-gyu; Han-beom, Min-jae, Gi-hyuk; Kang-in, Moon-hwan, Seol, Paik, Jae-sung, Hwang; Son.

Manager: Hong Myung-bo.

South Africa vs. South Korea - Stats

• South Africa have managed to win just 7 of their last 21 international matches.
• South Korea, in contrast, have registered 12 victories in their last 21 games.
• Both teams have seen their World Cup matches average 2.0 total goals so far.
• South Africa: Teboho Mokoena (suspended) is the only player to have scored for the team in the tournament.
• South Korea: Midfielder Hwang In-beom has been directly involved in both of his team’s goals, with one goal and one assist.

Predictions for South Africa vs. South Korea - Favourites to Win

South Korea enters this crucial match with a stronger recent record, boasting 12 wins from their last 21 games, compared to South Africa"s seven. Their victory over the Czech Republic demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure. Therefore, considering a “South Korea -0.5 Asian Handicap" looks like a promising option.

South Africa remains winless in their last seven matches and has struggled to create clear chances in this tournament. Both teams" World Cup games have averaged just two goals. Consequently, a low-scoring affair is anticipated, making the “Under 2.5 Goals" market, combined with a winner, appear appealing.

Given South Korea"s superior form and consistency, they are well-positioned to secure a victory. Their quality should prove decisive in this must-win encounter. Our main prediction is for a South Korea win.

South Africa x South Korea
Tip	Tip	Best Odd
Asian Handicap	South Korea -0.5 Asian Handicap	1.17 at BetMGM
	Total Goals: "Under 2.5"	at BetMGM

The odds mentioned were collected at the time of writing this prediction and are subject to change. Always check the bookmaker"s site for up-to-date information.

Best markets to bet on South Africa vs. South Korea

Discover more recommended bets on South Africa vs. South Korea for this crucial World Cup fixture.

🔥 Double Chance & Total Goals: 12 & Under 2.5 - 0.00 at BetMGM

Both teams" World Cup matches have averaged only two goals so far. This suggests a tight encounter is likely, making a combination with the “Under 2.5 Goals" market a smart move for your predictions.

🔥 Total Goals - First Half: Under 1.5 - 1.36 at BetMGM

With World Cup qualification at stake, we expect a cagey and tactical opening half. Neither side will want to concede early, which makes a low-scoring first period highly probable.

Where to watch South Africa vs. South Korea?

For those wondering where to watch South Africa vs. South Korea, here are the broadcast details:

• TV: BBC Sport (GBR), BBC Two (GBR)
• Streaming: BBC Radio 5 Live (GBR), BBC Sport app (GBR), BBC iPlayer (GBR)

South Africa vs. South Korea - Match details

Check out the match details:

• Match: South Africa vs. South Korea
• Competition: World Cup 2026
• Date: 25/06/2026
• Kick-off: 2 AM (BST)
• Venue: Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, México
• Broadcast: BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), BBC Sport app (Gbr), BBC iPlayer (Gbr), BBC Sport (Gbr), BBC Two (Gbr)

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