South Korea's Son Heung-min (centre) warms up during a training session ahead of the FIFA World Cup Group A match against South Africa. | Photo Credit: AP

In the final round of fixtures of Group A, South Korea and South Africa face off in hopes of advancing into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts.

Both sides arrive at the match without a win in their previous game; South Korea fell to Mexico, whilst South Africa salvaged a point against Czechia.

A win for South Korea would ensure a knockout spot for the Asian nation, whereas South Africa faces a do-or-die situation, where it requires at least a draw to stay in contention.

South Korea vs South Africa head-to-head record

South Korea and South Africa will be facing each other for the first time in international football.

South Korea form guide:L-W-W-W-L

• Austria 1 - 0 South Korea
• South Korea 5 - 0 Trinidad and Tobago
• South Korea 1 - 0 El Salvador
• South Korea 2 - 1 Czechia
• Mexico 1 - 0 South Korea

South Africa form guide: L-D-D-L-D

• South Africa 1 - 2 Panama
• South Africa 0 - 0 Nicaragua
• Jamaica 1 - 1 South Africa
• Mexico 2 - 0 South Africa
• Czechia 1 - 1 South Africa

Predicted lineups:

South Korea XI: Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Gi-Hyuk, Kim Min-Jae, Lee Han-Beom, Seol Young-Woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-Ho, Kim Moon-Hwan, Lee Jae-Sung, Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-Min

South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Thapelo Maseko, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis

Published on Jun 24, 2026