South Africa vs South Korea Predicted Lineups & Team News

The Estadio Monterrey is the venue for this Group A clash between South Africa and South Korea (Wednesday 7pm local, Thursday 2am BST, BBC Two), with both teams still fighting for a place in the last 32. South Korea have three points from their opening two games and are currently sat in second, while South Africa are bottom with one point, but still have a chance of making the knockout stages.

Below you can read the South Africa and South Korea predicted lineups and team news.

South Africa

Bafana Bafana know they must win on Thursday to have any chance of getting out of the group and they will need a much improved performance to achieve that.

Coach Hugo Broos was forced to make changes and formation for their second game, against the Czech Republic - from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3.

South Africa had an xG of just 0.07 in the opener against the co-hosts and had just two touches inside Mexico's penalty area, but recorded 17 shots during their 1-1 draw with the Czechs.

Themba Zwane was handed a three-game ban for his red card at the Azteca, but midfielder Yaya Sithole is available again after sitting out the second match.

Jayden Adams was substituted at half-time against the Czech Republic and looks likely to be replaced by Relebhohile Mofokeng, who impressed on his second-half appearance.

With Teboho Mokoena also suspended, after collecting two yellow cards, Tondela's Sithole could come straight back into the starting XI.

South Korea

South Korea have fallen behind in both of their opening two matches, coming back to beat the Czech Republic but losing 1-0 against Group A leaders Mexico.

Hong Myung-bo has stuck with the 3-4-2-1 formation so far and it's likely the 2002 semi-finalists will continue with that set-up on Thursday.

The coach made just one change to his team following their opening game win, with Kim Moon-hwan replacing Lee Tae-seok in midfield.

Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung both came off in the second half against Mexico, but both are expected to be fit to start against South Africa.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live South Africa vs South Korea Odds over on betfred.com

Key Players

Thapelo Maseko (South Africa)

At the age of just 22, Thapelo Maseko is still young at this level but he showed in the draw with the Czech Republic what he is capable of.

The Mamelodi Sundowns forward spent last season on loan with Cypriot side AEL Limassol and was selected for the squad having not played for his country since 2024.

Having missed the defeat to Mexico, Maseko started the second group game and registered three shots, while having a 94.4% passing accuracy.

Son Heung-min (South Korea)

He might not be the player he once was, but Son still has a huge influence on this Korea squad and will be desperate to progress in what might be his last World Cup.

The 33-year-old had a big impact in the comeback win in the opening group clash and, as long as he is fit, can cause the South Africa backline problems.

Son, who scored 12 goals in MLS last season but is without one in 13 appearances this year, managed six shots and created one chance in the win over the Czech Republic.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com