South Africa vs South Korea

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World Cup · Jun 25, 2026 · 01:00 · Estadio BBVA

Final score: South Africa 1–0 South Korea

Match preview

The 2026 World Cup kicks off for South Africa and South Korea on June 25th in a Group Stage encounter that promises an intriguing battle. With both nations entering the tournament with a clean slate – no prior matches, goals, or conceded efforts to their name – this opening fixture becomes paramount, setting the tone for their respective campaigns. The statistical parity, reflected in the evenly split win probabilities, underscores the expectation of a tightly contested affair.

For South Africa, the home advantage, albeit in a neutral World Cup setting, could provide a psychological edge. Their focus will likely be on a disciplined defensive structure and opportunistic attacks. South Korea, known for their pace and technical ability, will aim to exploit any defensive lapses and leverage their attacking flair. The key narrative here is the immediate need for a statement performance from both sides. Fans should watch for early tactical gambits, particularly how each team approaches the midfield battle, as control there will be crucial for creating chances. Expect a cautious start, with both teams eager to avoid an opening defeat, before the game opens up in the second half.

Standings

South Africa: #2 · 4 Pts · 3 P (1W 1D 1L)
South Korea: #3 · 3 Pts · 3 P (1W 0D 2L)

Recent form

South Africa

D Jun 18, 2026: Czechia 1–1 South Africa
L Jun 11, 2026: Mexico 2–0 South Africa

South Korea

L Jun 19, 2026: Mexico 1–0 South Korea
W Jun 12, 2026: South Korea 2–1 Czechia

Head-to-head

2026-06-25T01:00:00+00:00: South Africa – South Korea

Lineups

South Africa (Formation: 4-3-3)

1. R. Williams, 20. K. Mudau, 21. I. Okon, 14. M. Mbokazi, 6. A. Modiba, 5. T. Mbatha, 4. T. Mokoena, 23. J. Adams, 12. T. Maseko, 15. I. Rayners, 7. O. Appollis

South Korea (Formation: 3-4-2-1)

1. Kim Seung-Gyu, 2. Lee Han-Beom, 4. Kim Min-Jae, 3. Lee Gi-Hyuk, 15. Kim Moon-Hwan, 6. Hwang In-Beom, 8. Paik Seung-Ho, 22. Seol Young-Woo, 19. Lee Kang-In, 10. Lee Jae-Sung, 7. Son Heung-Min

Match events

46' subst Substitution 1 — Hwang Hee-Chan (South Korea) (assists: Son Heung-Min)
46' subst Substitution 2 — Paik Seung-Ho (South Korea) (assists: Kim Jin-Gyu)
46' subst Substitution 3 — Lee Tae-Seok (South Korea) (assists: J. Castrop)
62' subst Substitution 1 — O. Appollis (South Africa) (assists: T. Moremi)
63' Goal Normal Goal — T. Maseko (South Africa) (assists: T. Moremi)
66' subst Substitution 4 — Kim Min-Jae (South Korea) (assists: Park Jin-Seob)
73' Card Yellow Card — A. Modiba (South Africa)
74' subst Substitution 5 — Oh Hyeon-Gyu (South Korea) (assists: Cho Gue-Sung)
75' subst Substitution 2 — T. Maseko (South Africa) (assists: I. Rayners)
79' Card Yellow Card — Cho Gue-Sung (South Korea)
80' subst Substitution 3 — R. Mofokeng (South Africa) (assists: J. Adams)