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South Africa vs South Korea: Projected Lineups and Key Details for World Cup Group A Clash in Monterrey

Both teams meet on Wednesday knowing that a loss could seriously damage their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds. South Korea started with a win over Czechia but then lost to co-host Mexico, while South Africa bounced back from their opening defeat against Mexico by securing a draw versus Czechia.

Victory is likely necessary for either side to keep progressing, so this match carries significant weight.

South Africa Expected Starting XI (4-3-3, right to left)

  • Goalkeeper: 1. Ronwen Williams
  • Defenders: 20. Khuliso Mudau, 14. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 19. Ime Okon, 6. Aubrey Modiba
  • Midfielders: 4. Thalente Mbatha, 13. Sphephelo Sithole, 7. Jayden Adams
  • Forwards: 17. Thapelo Maseko, 9. Iqraam Rayners, 10. Oswin Appollis

Injuries: None reportedSuspended: Teboho Mokoena (yellow card accumulation), Themba Zwane

Teboho Mokoena's suspension forces South Africa to adjust their midfield. Sphephelo Sithole returns after serving his ban. Jayden Adams might stay in despite being subbed off at halftime last game. Bafana Bafana’s first point from the tournament came last time, but winning here feels like the only way forward for them.

South Korea Probable Starting XI (3-4-2-1, right to left)

  • Goalkeeper: 21. Jo Hyeon-woo
  • Defenders: 22. Seol Young-woo, 4. Kim Min-jae, 14. Cho Wi-je
  • Midfielders: 15. Kim Moon-hwan, 6. Hwang In-beom, 8. Paik Seung-ho, 3. Yoon Woo-seol
  • Attacking Midfielders: 18. Kang-in Lee, 10. Jae-sung Lee
  • Forward: 7. Son Heung-min

Injuries: NoneSuspended: None

South Korea should largely field the same squad that came close against Mexico. Captain Son Heung-min and Kang-in Lee are expected to start after being substituted before 60 minutes last game. Paik Seung-ho continues in midfield. A win here would nearly guarantee their spot in the knockout phase.

Match Prediction and Broadcast Info

Score prediction: South Africa 1-2 South Korea

This World Cup fixture will air nationally in the US on FS1, with streaming available on fubo, Fox One, and the Fox Sports app or website. Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, making it easy to watch without cable.

World Cup Squads Overview

South Africa is led by coach Hugo Broos. Key players include goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (34 years old, 62 caps) and midfielder Teboho Mokoena (29, 51 caps), though Mokoena is suspended for this match. The squad combines local league talent and some players based abroad, such as defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Chicago Fire.

South Korea, coached by Hong Myung-bo, features Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in among others. Their captain, Son Heung-min, currently plays for LAFC in MLS and brings vast experience with 144 international appearances.

Both sides carry the pressure of keeping their knockout hopes alive in this intense Group A encounter.

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