FIFA WC 2026: South Africa vs South Korea live streaming, time, squads
Synopsis
Both South Africa and South Korea enter their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group-stage match on 25 June with elimination a real possibility. Bafana Bafana must win to survive; South Korea can advance even with a loss. The 06:30 AM IST kick-off in Guadalupe is live on Zee5 and Unite8 Sports in India.
Key Takeaways
South Africa vs South Korea kicks off on 25 June at 06:30 AM IST at Monterrey Stadium, Guadalupe, Mexico .
South Africa must win — a draw or defeat ends their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
South Korea can qualify with a win, and may still progress even with a loss depending on third-placed standings.
South Korea's campaign: beat Czechia , lost 1-0 to co-host Mexico .
South Africa's campaign: lost their opener, then drew against Czechia via a late Teboho Mokoena penalty.
Live streaming in India on Zee5 ; live telecast on Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 2 channels.
South Africa and South Korea clash in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group-stage fixture on Thursday, 25 June, with a place in the Round of 32 on the line for both sides. The match kicks off at 06:30 AM IST at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, and could decide which nation advances and which exits the tournament.
What is at Stake
South Korea enters the contest knowing that a win guarantees progression to the knockout rounds. Even in defeat, Hong Myung-bo's side could still advance depending on how other third-placed teams fare across the group stage. The Asian side has shown resilience throughout the tournament, making this a genuine two-outcome scenario for them.
For South Africa, the equation is starker. Hugo Broos's Bafana Bafana must win — nothing less will keep their World Cup campaign alive. A draw or defeat ends their tournament.
How Both Teams Arrived Here
South Korea opened their campaign by overturning a deficit to defeat Czechia, before suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to co-host Mexico. That defeat came in frustrating circumstances, with a costly goalkeeping error proving decisive in an otherwise competitive display. Despite the setback, the Koreans have demonstrated enough quality to suggest they can secure progression on their own terms.
South Africa's journey has been more turbulent. After a difficult start, Bafana Bafana kept their hopes alive by rescuing a point against Czechia, courtesy of a late penalty from midfielder Teboho Mokoena. That goal prevented a second consecutive defeat and ensured the African side remained in contention heading into this decisive round.
How to Watch South Africa vs South Korea Live in India
Indian viewers can catch the match via live streaming on Zee5 (platform and app) — a subscription will be required. Live telecast is available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.
Key Match Details
Date and kick-off: Thursday, 25 June, 06:30 AM IST
Venue: Monterrey Stadium, Guadalupe, Mexico
Referee: Facundo Raúl Tello Figueroa
Full Squads
South Africa
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko
South Korea
Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeonwoo, Kim Seunggyu, Song Bumkeun
Defenders: Kim Minjae, Lee Hanbeom, Kim Taehyeon, Park Jinseob, Lee Kihyuk, Lee Taeseok, Seol Youngwoo, Jens Castrop, Kim Moonhwan, Cho Wije
Midfielders: Yang Hyunjun, Paik Seungho, Hwang Inbeom, Kim Jinkyu, Bae Junho, Eom Jisung, Hwang Heechan, Lee Donggyeong, Lee Jaesung, Lee Kangin
Forwards: Oh Hyeongyu, Son Heungmin, Cho Guesung
With qualification at stake and no margin for error, Wednesday's showdown promises to be one of the tensest Group-stage encounters of the tournament — and the result will reverberate across the standings.
Point of View
But only if results align across multiple groups simultaneously. South Korea's relative comfort is a product of their stronger head-to-head record, while South Africa's must-win position exposes the thin margins between a historic run and an early exit. For Indian viewers, the early-morning slot and the Zee5 paywall will test how much appetite the expanded 48-team format has genuinely built in the subcontinent.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does South Africa vs South Korea kick off in India?
The match kicks off on Thursday, 25 June at 06:30 AM IST at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico. Indian viewers can watch it live on Zee5 or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
Where can I watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match live in India?
Live streaming is available on the Zee5 platform and app, with a subscription required. Live telecast is on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
What does South Africa need to qualify for the Round of 32?
South Africa must win this match — a draw or defeat will eliminate Bafana Bafana from the FIFA World Cup 2026. They drew their previous game against Czechia thanks to a late Teboho Mokoena penalty.
Can South Korea still qualify if they lose to South Africa?
Yes, South Korea can still advance even with a defeat, depending on how other third-placed teams perform across the group stage. A win, however, would guarantee their place in the Round of 32.
Who is refereeing the South Africa vs South Korea match?
Argentine official Facundo Raúl Tello Figueroa has been appointed as the referee for this Group-stage decider at Monterrey Stadium, Guadalupe.
