The math is pretty simple. If South Africa were to stand any chance of qualifying, they would need to beat a South Korean side that also needed nothing short of a point or 3 points to guarantee a place in the next round of the competition.

 

Team Form

 

South Korea: Reached the final match day after an opening success, followed by a narrow defeat against Mexico.

South Africa: Ongoing struggles have left them winless across their past six international contests.

 

Key Stats & Head-to-Head

 

Both nations enter this final group fixture fighting directly to secure a spot in the knockout stages.

South Korea has failed to progress past the last 16 in five consecutive World Cup attempts.

South Africa's most recent international success came against Zimbabwe on December 29.

Teboho Mokoena netted his 10th international goal last time out, but is completely suspended for this match.

A victory for South Korea on Thursday morning will guarantee them the second spot in the section.

 

What to Expect From Both Teams

 

South Africa | Form: LDLDLD:

 

Hugo Broos' side enters this clash knowing they must be brave in possession to keep their qualification dreams alive.

With a squad heavily featuring Mamelodi Sundowns players, they must urgently find a new midfield partner for Thalente Mbatha.

Having picked up a crucial point against Czechia, they must stay compact defensively to prevent transitional errors.

 

South Korea | Form: LLWWWL:

 

Hong Myung-Bo's men are looking to bounce back instantly after their top-two pursuit was dented by a costly goalkeeping mishap.

Despite facing heavy criticism from the public regarding tactics, the Asian giant remains highly organized and dangerous in transition.

With a second spot guaranteed if they win, unlocking the creative brilliance of their elite attackers will be the main objective.

 

Predicted Lineups

 

South Africa (possible):

Williams, Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba, Mbatha, Sithole, Adams, Maseko, Appollis, Rayners.

 

South Korea (possible):

S Kim, H Lee, M J Kim, G Lee, M H Kim, Hwang, Paik, Seol, K Lee, J Lee, Son.

 

Matchups & Players to Watch

 

Sphephelo Sithole—The midfielder is back in contention and could start after serving his opening-match red card suspension.

Paik Seung-Ho—A vital cog in the engine room who provides English Championship representation to dictate the midfield tempo.

Lee Kang-In—Arrives capable of magical moments, posing a constant attacking threat alongside record appearance-maker Son Heung-Min.

Iqraam Rayners—The forward will be expected to lead the line and end the winless run for Bafana Bafana.

 

Odds Market on MSport

 

South Africa to win = 5.98

South Korea to win = 1.64

Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 2.09

Over 2.5 total goals = 2.04

 

This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a dangerous transition side in South Korea faces a South African team desperate to rediscover their winning touch.

With both teams using this final fixture as a vital stepping stone to the last 32, Monterrey Stadium is set for a compelling international night.

Who do you think will take the points? Tell us your prediction in the comments.

 

🔗 Bet Now on This Game Here on MSport

#SouthAfrica #SouthKorea #WorldCup2026 #Broos #HongMyungBo #BafanaBafana #TaegeukWarriors #Son #Lee #Mokoena #Monterrey

 

The last time Congo DR appeared on the global stage was back in 1974. This time, a resilient Leopards, making their first FIFA World Cup appearance since then, return to action at Estadio Guadalajara to face a Colombia side preparing for another deep knockout run.

It's a crucial Group K action on Wednesday, June 24, as Congo DR travels to Guadalajara to face a Colombia side that has already secured maximum points in their opener. Leopards boss Sebastien Desabre will be aiming to refocus his team after their historic opening draw.

 

Team Form

 

Colombia: Secured maximum points in their opener and can book a round of 32 spot with a win.

Congo DR: Showed massive character by fighting back to claim their first-ever World Cup point.

 

Key Stats & Head-to-Head

 

The opening match for Colombia was an absorbing contest, and it ended in a 3-1 victory.

Congo DR limited powerhouse Portugal to only six shots after conceding an early header.

The Leopards have impressively never lost by more than one goal under their French manager.

Luis Suarez was clinical in club football, netting 28 league goals for Sporting Lisbon.

This match serves as a crucial group test for both nations eyeing a spot in the round of 32.

 

What to Expect From Both Teams

 

Colombia | Form: WLLWWW:

Nestor Lorenzo's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to preserve their perfect group start in front of the passionate Estadio Guadalajara fans.

With a squad featuring seasoned veterans like James Rodriguez and clinical finishers like Luis Suarez, they provide a stern test for any visiting nation.

Having been paired with Uzbekistan in their tournament opener, this fixture against African opposition is a strategic step to secure safe passage to the next round.

 

Congo DR | Form: LWWDLD:

Sebastien Desabre's men are looking to secure a historic win after fighting back to find the back of the net against European heavyweights Portugal.

Despite the temptation to drop their ultra-defensive back five, the Leopards still boast experienced heads like Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa.

With a final group stage match against Uzbekistan looming next, finding their rhythm in North America this week is a top priority for the technical bench.

 

Predicted Lineups

 

Colombia (possible):

Vargas, Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica, Rios, Lerma, Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz, Suarez.

 

Congo DR (possible):

Mpasi, Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayembe, Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa.

 

Matchups & Players to Watch

 

Luis Diaz—The Bayern Munich attacker could steal the show for Colombia after netting a crucial 65th-minute strike in their opening victory.

Chancel Mbemba—A vital cog in the Congo DR defense who will be tasked with disrupting Colombia's star-studded attackers while risking suspension.

Luis Suarez—Arrives in great form, having netted 28 league goals this season, posing a constant goalscoring threat from the front line.

Yoane Wissa—The Newcastle United forward will be expected to lead the line and add to his historic World Cup goal tally for the Leopards.

 

Odds Market on MSport

 

Colombia/Home to win = 1.58

Congo DR/Away to win = 6.75

Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 2.32

Over 2.5 total goals = 2.23

 

This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a dominant early leader in Colombia faces a Congo DR team desperate to build on their historic World Cup point.

With both teams fighting for a vital ticket to the knockout rounds, Estadio Guadalajara is set for a compelling international night.

Who do you think will take the points? Tell us your prediction in the comments.

 

🔗 Bet Now on This Game Here on MSport

#Colombia #CongoDR #WorldCup2026 #Néstor #Lorenzo #Desabre #LosCafeteros #Leopards #Díaz #Mbemba #Suárez #Wissa #Guadalajara