In Group A, it’s a winner-takes-all clash between South Africa and South Korea, which could see some very attacking soccer be played.

South Africa picked up an impressive point against Czechia last time out after defeat to Mexico, while South Korea were beaten by the co-hosts after defeating Czechia in their opener. Now, with a place in the knockouts up for grabs for the winner, a lot could happen in this one…

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Quick Picks

Our pick: South Korea to win

Value bet: Over 2.5 Goals

Long shot: BTTS to hit

South Africa vs South Korea prediction

With South Africa having everything to play for, this match could become an open, end-to-end contest. Bafana Bafana know that they need to secure a win in this game, while the South Koreans won’t just want to rely on Mexico to get a result against Czechia to keep them second.

Indeed, the nation from the AFC has better players and squad depth than their counterparts and has already bagged a win at this year’s tournament. They have players who play in Europe’s top leagues and know they need to get the job done if they are to advance.

The problem could be that South Korea find themselves in a bit of historical difficulty. Including qualifiers, three of South Africa's last four tournament matches as an underdog have ended in draws. The only time they didn’t draw when an underdog was the tournament opener against Mexico.

Still, given their quality and the circumstances they face, we think South Korea are likely to win this game.

If you fancy backing both these sides across the day, it's worth reading up on what a multi bet is first, and the World Cup betting markets guide breaks down the options nicely before you lock anything in.

South Africa vs South Korea score prediction

We think there’s going to be value in the ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ market, and as our South Africa vs South Korea betting odds page shows, this game could involve end-to-end stretches and feature a lot of attacking play.

Both nations have shown lapses in concentration at times and conceded poor goals in the Group Stage. While they will be aiming to be at their best; nerves stemming from the pressure of a result could rear their ugly head.

South Korea have the attacking quality to find the back of the net, and despite the likely best efforts of South African shot-stopper Ronwan Williams, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were to find the back of the net a couple of times.

Still, the BTTS hitting in this game has value, as Bafana Bafana will have to attack from the beginning. Hugo Broos will likely set his team up to play on the front foot, rather than sit back and aim for counters, as the latter approach would suit Hong Myung-bo’s team more so.

Additionally, the 'Both Teams to Score' market has hit in each of South Korea's last four tournament matches as a favourite.

As a long shot, the 1-1 draw as the correct score offers value, as three of South Africa's last four tournament matches (including qualifiers) as an underdog have ended 1-1. However, the South Korea 2-1 correct score offers better value due to the circumstances of this upcoming clash.

Player markets to watch

Oh Hyeon-Gyu offers better value in the anytime goalscorer market for South Korea, having already netted once in this competition. He had a match-winning cameo against Czechia and offers value to do the same once again against South Africa, given the quality season he has had at club level.

Son Heung-Min has had a quiet tournament so far and has struggled a little, but he is the team’s captain and often comes up big when needed. He has a goal ratio that is slightly better than 1 in 3 for his country and he could finally find his feet here.

South Africa vs South Korea Match Details

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Kick-off: 11:00am AEST.

Location: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara.

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.

Where to Watch South Africa vs South Korea

For the first time ever, Sportsbet is offering punters the chance to stream World Cup matches live*.

To watch Sportsbet's live streams of the World Cup, you must:

- Be 18+.

- Have a Sportsbet account.

- Be logged into your Sportsbet account.

- Have a positive balance OR have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.

World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you'll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for South Africa vs South Korea simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch South Africa vs South Korea on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand.

*18+ Available to Sportsbet customers only. Conditions apply – see sportsbet.com.au

*Odds are subject to change.