South Africa faces its biggest match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the early hours of Thursday morning when Bafana Bafana take on South Korea in a must-win Group A clash. The result will determine whether South Africa advances to the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in the country’s history.
Kick-off is scheduled for 03:00 (South African time) at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico. With qualification hanging in the balance, fans across Gauteng are expected to gather at sports bars, restaurants and viewing venues to support the national team.
After a disappointing 2-0 opening defeat to Mexico, Bafana Bafana kept their World Cup dream alive with a spirited 1-1 draw against Czechia. South Korea currently sits second in Group A on three points, while South Africa and Czechia both have one point.
For Bafana Bafana, the equation is simple: win and keep qualification hopes alive.
ALSO READ: Bafana Bafana Keep World Cup Hopes Alive with Fighting 1-1 Draw Against Czechia
Why This Match Matters
South Africa has never progressed beyond the group stages of a FIFA World Cup.
The national team exited in the group phase during:
- France 1998
- Korea/Japan 2002
- South Africa 2010
The expanded 2026 tournament offers additional qualification opportunities, with some third-placed teams also progressing to the Round of 32.
A victory over South Korea would move Bafana Bafana onto four points and potentially secure a historic place in the knockout rounds.
According to tournament standings, a draw or defeat would almost certainly end South Africa’s World Cup campaign.
Bafana Bafana Face Selection Challenges
Coach Hugo Broos will be without influential midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards in the opening two matches.
Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane is also unavailable following his suspension from the Mexico clash.
The absence of two experienced players places additional pressure on younger stars such as:
- Relebohile Mofokeng
- Jayden Adams
- Oswin Appollis
- Thapelo Maseko
- Lyle Foster
Bafana Bafana will also welcome the return of midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, who missed the Czechia fixture through suspension.
Confirmed Gauteng Live-Screening Venues
Several Gauteng venues have advertised live screenings and watch parties for the South Africa vs South Korea fixture.
The Boma Café – Paulshof, Sandton
The Boma Café will screen the match live at 127B Wroxham Road, Paulshof, Sandton. Kick-off is listed for 03:00 on Thursday, 25 June.
CÉ LA VI Sandton – Sandton
CÉ LA VI Sandton is hosting an official watch party for South Africa vs South Korea, with trading hours listed from 12:00 to 02:00 and reservations available through the venue.
R55 Chillout – Olifantsfontein
R55 Chillout is hosting a game eve party with big-screen live viewing for the fixture. The event is listed for Thursday, 25 June 2026, with kick-off at 03:00.
Day Vibe Carwash & Hookah Lounge – Leboneng
Day Vibe Carwash & Hookah Lounge has listed a FIFA World Cup fanzone screening at the corner of Thandakhu and Mashamaite Street, Leboneng.
Disoufeng Pub – Soweto
Disoufeng Pub in Meadowlands West, Soweto, is hosting a World Cup Wednesday screening, with gates opening at 20:00 on 24 June. The venue has listed South Africa vs South Korea as part of the live-screening line-up.
Straight Line – Moteong Section
Straight Line in Moteong Section has also listed a South Africa vs South Korea watch event in support of Bafana Bafana.
Fans should confirm booking requirements, opening hours and age restrictions directly with venues before travelling, especially because the match kicks off in the early hours of the morning.
Players to Watch
South Africa
Ronwen Williams
The captain remains one of South Africa’s most important players and will be expected to lead from the back.
Relebohile Mofokeng
The Orlando Pirates star has injected creativity whenever called upon and could be key in unlocking the Korean defence.
Lyle Foster
South Africa’s hopes of scoring may rest on the Burnley striker’s ability to convert chances.
South Korea
Son Heung-min
The South Korean captain remains one of Asia’s most dangerous attackers and will be the biggest threat to Bafana Bafana’s defence.
Kim Min-jae
The Bayern Munich defender anchors the Korean backline and brings valuable international experience.
Lee Kang-in
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder provides creativity and attacking flair.
Where to Watch the Match in Gauteng
The match will be broadcast live on:
- SABC
- SuperSport
Current Group A Standings
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 6 |
| 2 | South Korea | 3 |
| 3 | Czechia | 1 |
| 4 | South Africa | 1 |
Mexico has already secured top spot in the group.
The battle for second place remains wide open heading into the final round of fixtures.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Football remains one of South Africa’s most unifying sports, and Bafana Bafana’s World Cup campaign has generated growing excitement across Gauteng.
A positive result would not only extend South Africa’s participation in the tournament but could also boost local viewing events, hospitality venues and community gatherings across the province.
With many Gauteng residents planning to stay up for the early-morning kick-off, the fixture represents one of the most significant moments for South African football in recent years.
FAQ
When is South Africa playing South Korea?
The match kicks off at 03:00 South African time on Thursday, 25 June 2026.
Where is the match being played?
At Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Mexico.
What result does Bafana Bafana need?
Bafana Bafana realistically need a victory to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Where can fans watch the match?
The game will be broadcast live on SABC and SuperSport.
Has SA ever reached the World Cup knockout stages?
No. South Africa has never progressed beyond the group stage of a FIFA World Cup.
What Happens Next?
South Africa and South Korea will conclude their Group A campaigns while Mexico faces Czechia in the group’s other final fixture.
Once both matches conclude, the final standings will determine which teams advance to the Round of 32 and whether Bafana Bafana’s World Cup journey continues.
