South Africa rescued a point against Czechia in their previous game, but they need to win in front of South Africa to advance to the World Cup knockout stages. South Korea could prove too strong for them at this point.
The South Koreans need only a draw to progress and have several factors working in their favour heading into this match. Having watched all the games both teams have played so far, I struggle to see South Africa coping with the sustained pressure South Korea are capable of applying.
Read on for my South Korea vs. South Africa predictions and World Cup picks for Wednesday, June 24.
TOP PICK
Who will win South Korea vs South Africa: South Korea -1.5 (+181)
If South Korea manages to score first, I believe South Africa are doomed. Given the South Koreans' pace and their ability to cause problems at the other end when opportunities arise, they are likely to add goal after goal. South Africa needs to start quickly and take the initiative in this match, and that could play perfectly into South Korea's hands.
Former Tottenham captain Son Heung-min leads a dynamic frontline that South Africa will find difficult to contain. South Africa haven't won any of their last seven matches and have kept just one clean sheet in their last ten games.
Given that they need a victory at all costs, and considering that South Korea traditionally performs well in the second half of matches — fourteen of their last fifteen World Cup goals have come after the break — I'd say South Africa have a mountain to climb in Monterrey.
I'm backing a convincing South Korean and would play this to +170.
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South Korea vs South Africa Over/Under pick: Over 2.5 (+105)
South Korea have scored over 1.5 goals in five of their last seven official matches, highlighting their consistent attacking output. They will look to exploit a South African side that has struggled defensively in recent games.
South Africa have managed just one clean sheet in their last ten matches and comes into this fixture under pressure, needing a result. That urgency could force them to take more risks, which in turn may open up additional space for South Korea’s attacking players to exploit.
Simply putting bodies behind the ball is unlikely to be enough for South Africa in this encounter, and South Korea should be well-positioned to take advantage of any defensive gaps.
All things considered, this has the makings of a high-scoring contest and I'd play it to +100.
South Korea vs South Africa projected lineup
South Korea (3-4-3): Seung-Gyu, Han-Beom, Min-Jae, Gi-Hyuk, Moon-Hwan, In-Beom, Seung-Ho, Young-Woo, Kang-In, Heung-Min, Jae-Sung.
South Africa (4-3-3): Williams, Mudau, Okon, Mbekazi, Modiba, Mbatha, Sithole, Mofokeng, Maseko, Rayners, Appollis.
South Korea vs South Africa injuries
South Korea: No injuries to report.
South Africa: Teboho Mokoena (Out), Themba Zwane (Out).
South Korea vs South Africa weather
Mostly sunny and warm, with temperatures hovering around 33°C (91°F). The evening will feature clear conditions with minimal chances of rain and light breezes.
South Korea vs South Africa odds
| South Korea | South Africa | |
|---|---|---|
| -150 | Moneyline | +488 |
| +317 | Draw | +317 |
| Over 2.5 (+113) | Total | Under 2.5 (-117) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch South Korea vs South Africa
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, MX |
| Date | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| Time | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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