African and Asian powers collide in Mexico as Bafana Bafana meet the Taegeuk Warriors in this Group A closer.
Group A
Thursday, 25 June | Monterrey Stadium
Kick-off time
09:00 (GMT+8)
The match
South Africa and Korea Republic clash for the first time at FIFA World Cup™ level in this Group A closer in Monterrey. Bafana Bafana are back on the global stage for the first time since they co-hosted the 2010 edition, while Korea Republic are appearing at an 11th consecutive finals.
For Korea Republic, the mission is simple: Get a result. A win or a draw would punch their Round of 32 ticket as group runners-up after having edged Czech Republic 2-1 to open the tournament, but then losing to Mexico. The task is taller for South Africa, who must win and hope results go their way.
The group runners-up will meet the Group B runners-up in Los Angeles. Should the third-placed team in the section qualify as one of the eight best, they will meet either the Group E or Group G winners in Boston or Seattle.
South Africa possible starting XI
Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha, Adams; Maseko, Rayners, Appollis
Korea Republic possible starting XI
Kim Seunggyu; Kim Minjae, Lee Hanbeom, Lee Kihyuk; Seol Youngwoo, Lee Taeseok, Hwang Inbeom, Paik Seungho; Lee Kangin, Lee Jaesung;
Monterrey Stadium
The breathtaking Monterrey Stadium will host four matches from the FIFA World Cup 2026, including three group games and one Round of 32 fixture. Mexican side Monterrey play their football in this modern-day marvel, which is equipped with compact energy solutions and low voltage equipment. The venue also hosted eight games at the 2022 Concacaf W Championship, including USA’s 1-0 final victory over Canada. Coldplay, Bad Bunny and Justin Bieber have performed at the ground in its opening decade.