South Korea will be hoping to book their spot in the 2026 World Cup knockout stages when they face South Africa on Thursday at 2am (UK time).
South Korea are in a good position going into the final round of Group A fixtures. They only need a point to secure their place in the last-32, though top spot cannot be reached. South Korea opened the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Czech Republic, but fell to a 1-0 defeat to Mexico — which means they cannot overtake the co-hosts.
Meanwhile, South Africa know they have it all to do to reach the knockout stages. Bafana Bafana have taken just one point from their opening two games. They started the tournament with a defeat in the opening match, losing to co-hosts Mexico. They looked on course for another defeat last time out, but did salvage a point against Czech Republic thanks to a late penalty. South Africa need to beat South Korea and hope Czech Republic drop points against Mexico to guarantee second. But a win should be enough for a knockout stage, regardless. Anything else, though, and they are out.
This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides.
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South Africa vs South Korea team news
South Africa team news
Hugo Broos will be able to call upon Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane after their red cards in the opening defeat to Mexico. Although Zwane was sent off for violent conduct, that only carries a one-game ban at the World Cup. While Sithole did not impress before his red card, he may get back into the starting XI. Teboho Mokoena will be unavailable for this game through suspension, having been booked in each of the first two matches.
Broos may also opt to continue with the back four, considering the change in performances between the two matches. So Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba are likely to continue at full-back with Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Ime Okon the centre-back partnership. Sithole will replace Mokoena at the base of the midfield, joined by Thalente Mbatha.
Relebohile Mofokeng helped up South Africa’s game after coming off the bench against Czech Republic last time out. So he could come in for Jayden Adams to play in a more No.10 role. He’ll be flanked by Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Mseko, with Iqraam Rayners through the middle. The latter did struggle against Czech Republic, though it was more due to tactics than his own problems.
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South Korea team news
Hong Myung-bo made one change between his first two starting XIs, with Kim Moon-hwan replacing Lee Tae-seok. That change also saw Seol Young-woo move over from right wing-back to left wing-back. Kim was the more defensive-minded player, so Lee could come back in on the left, with Seol switching back over to the right.
As a result, South Korea may use the same starting lineup as their opening game, which eventually brought them success. Son Heung-min will lead the line as captain, still starting ahead of Oh Hyeon-gyu, despite back-to-back blanks. Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung will play as the supporting dual No.10s, with Paik Seung-ho and Hwang In-beom in central midfield.
Kim Min-jae will start at the middle of the back three, joined by Lee Gi-hyuk and Lee Han-beom. Lee Han-gyuk will be on a tightrope, though, still carrying a booking from the first game. Further up the pitch, Paik and Lee Kang-in are also at risk of suspension. But South Korea need to go strong to be certain of qualification.
South Africa vs South Korea predicted lineups
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sitole, Mbatha; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Rayners.
South Korea (3-4-2-1): Kim SG; Lee HB, Kim MJ, Lee GH; Seol, Hwang IB, Paik, Lee TS; Lee JS, Lee KI; Son.
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