World Cup

South Africa

25 Jun 2026 06:30

Korea Republic

Prediction:

Away win 1.97

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South Africa vs Korea Republic Predictions, Picks & Odds – 25/06/2026

World Cup · 3

Our prediction

2: Korea Republic to win

1.97 on Dafabet · Confidence Medium

Odds recorded on 23 Jun 2026 at 09:14 · Odds are subject to change

South Africa vs Korea Republic Preview

South Africa return to the World Cup stage for the first time in 16 years, but their campaign has started poorly. Bafana Bafana lost their opener against co-hosts Mexico and now face the additional blow of losing attacking midfielder Themba Zwane to a three-match suspension following a red card. Coach Hugo Broos, who has confirmed this tournament will be his last, must find solutions quickly. Their recent form reads two defeats and two draws from four outings.

Korea Republic arrived in Mexico with momentum and justified it immediately, producing a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia in their opening fixture. Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in form a spine of genuine quality across the pitch. Manager Hong Myung-bo has experimented with a back-three system, adding tactical flexibility. Off-field tension with national media has lingered, but results suggest the squad remains focused. Three wins preceded their two pre-tournament losses.

Korea Republic's opening comeback victory over Czechia demonstrated the resilience and quality this squad possesses. Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in form a spine capable of troubling any defence at this tournament. South Africa, by contrast, lost their opener to Mexico and sit third in Group A with a run of alternating losses and draws in recent fixtures.

The absence of Themba Zwane through suspension is a significant blow for Hugo Broos's side, stripping them of creative influence in the final third for the rest of the group stage. Korea Republic's tactical flexibility under Hong Myung-bo, switching between a back-three and more conventional formations, gives them an edge in adaptability. The away win at 1.97 reflects this disparity well.

South Africa have never progressed beyond the World Cup group stage, and their current form offers little reason to believe that changes here. Korea Republic, ranked 25th globally compared to Bafana Bafana's 60th, carry superior tournament pedigree across 11 consecutive appearances. The prediction is a Korea Republic victory, with N/A also worth considering given the tactical discipline both sides tend to show in high-stakes group matches.

Trends to Know about South Africa vs Korea Republic

• Korea Republic ranked 25th, South Africa 60th
• Korea won opener; South Africa lost theirs
• Zwane suspended for remaining group matches

Both sides are projected in a mirrored 4-2-3-1 shape, though treat these lineups with caution: both are speculated from single sources, with Korea's arrangement dating back several weeks and adjusted for injury. The tactical picture may shift considerably before kickoff.

For Bafana Bafana, the creative burden falls on the trio behind Lyle Foster, while Korea lean heavily on the experience of Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in to unlock a disciplined South African block. The midfield duel in the double-pivot could prove decisive.

How to Watch South Africa vs Korea Republic Match?

What time is South Africa vs Korea Republic?

South Africa vs Korea Republic kicks off on 25 June 2026 at 06:30 IST at Estadio BBVA Bancomer.

Where is South Africa vs Korea Republic being played?

This match takes place at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer in Monterrey, Mexico.

How Can I Watch South Africa vs Korea Republic on TV and Live Stream?

Indian viewers can watch South Africa vs Korea Republic live on JioCinema and Sports18.