South Africa vs South Korea prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
In the third round of the World Cup on June 25, 2026, the national teams of South Africa and South Korea will face off. The Africans need a win, but it is unlikely they will be able to achieve it.
South Africa vs South Korea: Team News and Expert Analysis
South Africa has finally qualified for the main football tournament. In the qualifiers, they narrowly edged out Benin and Nigeria by a single point to top their group. However, they were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations in the round of 16, and in the friendlies of 2026, they managed to win only the last of four matches—1-0 against Jamaica. In their tournament opener against Mexico, they responded to their opponent's goals with a pair of red cards. Against the Czechs, they also conceded first but earned a penalty which secured a 1-1 draw.
The Koreans confidently dominated their qualification group, finishing with 22 points from ten matches. They began 2026 with defeats in friendlies to Ivory Coast and Austria but bounced back somewhat with clean-sheet wins over Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador. At the World Cup, they started with a comeback 2-1 victory over the Czechs. Against Mexico, they played evenly, but a goalkeeper error ultimately led to a loss.
South Africa averages one goal per match scored and noticeably more, at 1.3, conceded. The team from the Far East has better stats: scoring 1.3 goals per game and conceding 1.2 on average.
Previous Matches: South Africa vs South Korea
This will be the first meeting between the two sides.
Son and his teammates are clearly stronger and eager to make up for their slip in the last round. We back their victory (odds – 1.69).
South Africa vs South Korea: Key Statistics and Trends
- South Africa has won one out of their last nine matches
- 70% of South Africa's matches end with goals from both teams and an average total of 2.3 goals per match
- South Korea won three times in a row before the previous round
- 10% of South Korea's matches end with goals from both teams and an average of 2.5 goals per match
South Africa vs South Korea: Probable Starting Lineups
South Africa uses a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Williams - Modiba, Mbokazi, Okon, Mudau - Adams, Mokuna - Mbatha, Appollis, Reyners - Maseko. Mokoena and Zwane will miss the game due to suspensions.
South Korea uses a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (probable lineup): Kim Seung Gyu - Lee Ki Heek, Kim Min Jae, Lee Han Beom - Seol Young Woo, Paik Seung Ho, Hwang In Beom, Kim Moon Hwan - Lee Jae Sung, Lee Kang In - Son Heung Min. Cho Yu Min is out through injury.
Follow the World Cup standings and stay updated on your team’s form before placing your next bet.
