South Africa vs South Korea: Lineups and Preview for World Cup Group A Clash in Monterrey

On Wednesday, South Africa and South Korea meet in Monterrey for a Group A encounter that both teams cannot afford to lose. Each side still holds hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds, but defeat here would be a serious blow.

South Korea started their tournament with a win over Czechia but then lost to co-hosts Mexico. Meanwhile, South Africa bounced back from an opening loss to Mexico by drawing against Czechia in their second match. This game carries heavy weight for their progression chances.

Projected Starting Lineups

The expected lineup, moving right to left, is:

• Goalkeeper: 1. Ronwen Williams
• Defenders: 20. Khuliso Mudau, 14. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 19. Ime Okon, 6. Aubrey Modiba
• Midfielders: 4. Thalente Mbatha, 13. Sphephelo Sithole, 7. Jayden Adams
• Forwards: 17. Thapelo Maseko, 9. Iqraam Rayners, 10. Oswin Appollis

No injuries have been reported, but suspension forces changes. Teboho Mokoena is out after accumulating yellow cards, and Themba Zwane remains suspended. Sithole returns from suspension and may slot into midfield. Adams could retain his place despite being subbed off last game.

Bafana Bafana secured their first point at the tournament recently but likely need a win here to keep knockout hopes alive.

Projected lineup, right to left:

• Goalkeeper: 21. Jo Hyeon-woo
• Defenders: 22. Seol Young-woo, 4. Kim Min-jae, 14. Cho Wi-je
• Midfielders: 15. Kim Moon-hwan, 6. Hwang In-beom, 8. Paik Seung-ho, 3. Yoon Woo-seok
• Attacking Midfielders: 18. Kang-in Lee, 10. Jae-sung Lee
• Forward: 7. Son Heung-min

No injuries or suspensions affect their squad. Core players who featured against Mexico, including captain Son Heung-min and Kang-in Lee, are expected to start after being substituted earlier in their last match. Paik Seung-ho should continue in midfield.

Taegeuk Warriors understand that a win would nearly guarantee progression to the knockout stage.

Score Prediction

We think South Korea might edge this one with a predicted scoreline of 2-1 over South Africa.

World Cup Rosters Overview

Both squads have named their official rosters as of May 2026. Here are key details:

Where to Watch

In the United States, the match airs on FS1 and streams on platforms such as fubo, Fox One, and the Fox Sports app or website. New fubo users can start with a free trial to watch live coverage.