Emanuel Rosu
• Betting Analyst
19+ years betting experience
Updated:
Jun 24, 2026 , 06:11 PM ET
• 4 min read
South Korea’s pace and attacking quality should prove too much for a South Africa side that enters this must-win match without a victory in its last seven games.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. South Korea’s Son Heung-min in action.
South Africa kept their World Cup hopes alive with a point against Czechia, but only a win over South Korea will move them into the bracket.
That’s easier said than done, and my South Korea vs. South Africa predictions explain why Son Heung-min & Co. should have too much quality in tonight’s Group A finale.
Read on for my World Cup picks for Wednesday, June 24.
TOP PICK
Who will win South Korea vs South Africa: South Korea -1.5 (+181)
If South Korea manages to score first, I believe South Africa are doomed. Given the South Koreans’ pace and their ability to cause problems at the other end when opportunities arise, they are likely to add goal after goal. South Africa needs to start quickly and take the initiative in this match, and that could play perfectly into South Korea’s hands.
Former Tottenham captain Son Heung-min leads a dynamic frontline that South Africa will find difficult to contain. South Africa haven’t won any of their last seven matches and have kept just one clean sheet in their last ten games.
Given that they need a victory at all costs, and considering that South Korea traditionally performs well in the second half of matches — fourteen of their last fifteen World Cup goals have come after the break — I’d say South Africa have a mountain to climb in Monterrey.
Playable to +170.
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South Korea vs South Africa Over/Under pick: Over 2.5 (+105)
South Korea have scored over 1.5 goals in five of their last seven official matches, highlighting their consistent attacking output. They will look to exploit a South African side that has struggled defensively in recent games.
South Africa have managed just one clean sheet in their last ten matches and comes into this fixture under pressure, needing a result. That urgency could force them to take more risks, which in turn may open up additional space for South Korea’s attacking players to exploit.
Simply putting bodies behind the ball is unlikely to be enough for South Africa in this encounter, and South Korea should be well-positioned to take advantage of any defensive gaps.
Playable to +100.
South Korea vs South Africa goal scorer pick: Heung-min Son (+130)
When South Korea hit the net in big matches, Heung-min Son is usually involved, either as the scorer or the creator.
In the qualifiers, he scored 10 times in 13 games, underlining his importance in the final third.
His international record is outstanding. He has played 147 matches for his national team, scoring 56 goals.
See who will have the best opportunities to score goals in our World Cup set-piece takers guide.
South Korea vs South Africa projected lineup
South Korea (3-4-3): Seung-Gyu, Han-Beom, Min-Jae, Gi-Hyuk, Moon-Hwan, In-Beom, Seung-Ho, Young-Woo, Kang-In, Heung-Min, Jae-Sung.
South Africa (4-3-3): Williams, Mudau, Okon, Mbekazi, Modiba, Mbatha, Sithole, Mofokeng, Maseko, Rayners, Appollis.
South Korea vs South Africa injuries
South Korea: No injuries to report.
South Africa: Teboho Mokoena (Out), Themba Zwane (Out).
South Korea vs South Africa weather
Mostly sunny and warm, with temperatures hovering around 33°C (91°F). The evening will feature clear conditions with minimal chances of rain and light breezes.
South Korea vs South Africa odds today
| South Korea | South Africa | |
|---|---|---|
| -138 | Moneyline | +488 |
| +300 | Draw | +300 |
| Over 2.5 (+113) | Total | Under 2.5 (-117) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch South Korea vs South Africa
Check out FIFA’s official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, MX |
| Date | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| Time | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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