2026 FIFA World Cup | Group A | Thursday June 25, 2026
- South Africa Vs South Korea – 5am
Group C | Thursday June 25, 2026
- Morocco Vs Haiti – 1am
South Africa’s World Cup dream hangs by a thread as Bafana Bafana face South Korea in a must-win Group A clash at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on Thursday morning.
Bottom of the group with one point, South Africa must beat the Asians to stand any chance of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Hugo Broos’ side began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico before fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw against Czechia, with Teboho Mokoena converting a late penalty to keep their hopes alive.
Victory could see Bafana Bafana finish second and qualify automatically, depending on the outcome of the other Group A match between Mexico and Czechia. Even a third-place finish could be enough to progress as one of the tournament’s best ranked third placed teams.
However, South Korea will not make life easy. The Taegeuk Warriors recovered from a goal down to beat Czechia 2-1 before narrowly losing 1-0 to Mexico. A draw will be enough to send them into the Round of 32 for the fourth time in their history.
South Africa face the challenge without suspended midfield stars Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane, although Sphephelo Sithole returns after serving his ban.
Much of Bafana’s attacking hopes will rest on the lively Oswin Appollis, whose pace and direct running impressed against Czechia.
Broos expects a stern test.
“They run for 90 minutes. South Korea are disciplined and have several quality players,” the Belgian coach said.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo is equally wary of the threat posed by the Africans.
“South Africa is a team with good speed. We need to prepare tactically well,” he said.
Elsewhere in Group A, already-qualified Mexico take on Czechia, with the Europeans also still in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Morocco will be targeting top spot in Group C when they take on already-eliminated Haiti at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Atlas Lions are level on four points with Brazil but trail the South Americans on goal difference. After drawing 1-1 with Brazil and edging Scotland 1-0, Morocco know victory could see them finish top of the group and secure a potentially easier path in the knockout rounds.
Mohamed Ouahbi‘s side head into the match in impressive form. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists are unbeaten in their last six World Cup group matches and have not lost in 31 games across all competitions.
PSV Eindhoven forward Ismael Saibari has carried Morocco’s attacking threat, scoring both of their goals so far, while Brahim Diaz and captain Achraf Hakimi continue to inspire the side.
Haiti, ranked 87th in the world, have already exited the tournament after defeats to Scotland and Brazil. Nevertheless, Les Grenadiers will be eager to end their campaign on a positive note by claiming their first-ever World Cup point.
The match will also mark the first meeting between the two nations at senior level.
In the group’s other fixture, Brazil face Scotland in a decisive battle for qualification, with Morocco hoping results go their way as they chase top spot.
