World Cup 2026: South Africa in 4-2-3-1 against South Korea’s 3-4-2-1 with Kim Min-jae starting

South Africa line up in a 4-2-3-1 and South Korea in a 3-4-2-1 for their World Cup 2026 Group A match at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey.

Henry DONCHE

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On 25 Jun 2026 at 01:35 Updated 25 Jun 2026

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The World Cup 2026 group-stage match between South Africa and South Korea will be played on June 25 at 02:00 GMT+1 at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey. This crucial Group A clash pits two teams with contrasting strategies against each other, with South Africa holding one point after their 1-1 draw against Czechia, while South Korea are looking to bounce back after a 0-1 defeat to Mexico.

Both teams have revealed their official lineups with different tactical setups. South Africa, under head coach Hugo Broos, line up in a classic 4-2-3-1 built around a solid defensive block and an attack led by Evidence Makgopa up front. For their part, Myung-Bo Hong’s South Korea opt for a bolder 3-4-2-1, with a three-man defence and a strengthened midfield designed to disrupt the opposition’s build-up play.

Several key players feature in both starting XIs. For South Africa, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is protected by a defence organised around Khuliso Mudau and Ime Okon. The reliable midfield of Thalente Mbatha and Sphephelo Sithole supports attacks driven by Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis. The only notable absentee is T. Mokoena, suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards.

Opposite them, the South Korean side retain a defensive line energised by Kim Min-jae and Gi-Hyuk Lee. The midfield blends experience and dynamism with Seung Ho Paik, Hwang In-beom and Lee Tae-seok. Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan bring creativity behind lone striker Hyeon-gyu Oh, who is seeking redemption after a mixed start to the group.

How South Africa line up

In a 4-2-3-1, Hugo Broos’ South Africa prioritise a balance between defensive discipline and attacking pressure. Ronwen Williams remains a reliable last line of defence, while the back four features Khuliso Mudau and Ime Okon on the flanks, reinforced by Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba. The double pivot in midfield is made up of Thalente Mbatha and Sphephelo Sithole to control the tempo and protect the defence.

Further forward, Relebohile Mofokeng takes up the playmaker’s role, with Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Maseko supplying lone striker Evidence Makgopa. This system is designed to maximise mobility and creativity in midfield while securing the goal against sudden attacks.

How South Korea line up

Myung-Bo Hong sets up in a 3-4-2-1 that prioritises defensive solidity and control of midfield. With Kim Seung-gyu in goal, the three-man defence is built around Han-Beom Lee, Kim Min-jae and Gi-Hyuk Lee, who are disciplined in their positioning and marking. The four-man midfield, with Young-woo Seol and Seung Ho Paik on the wings, offers width and cover, while Hwang In-beom and Lee Tae-seok operate as central engines.

In attack, Kang-in Lee and Hwang Hee-chan play behind Hyeon-gyu Oh, the focal point for South Korea’s attack. This setup should allow the Asian side to vary between possession phases and quick transitional play.

Starting lineups

South Africa

System4-2-3-1Head coachHugo Broos

Starters11

1 Ronwen Williams Goalkeeper
20 Khuliso Mudau Defender
21 Ime Okon Defender
14 Mbekezeli Mbokazi Defender
6 Aubrey Modiba Defender
5 Thalente Mbatha Midfielder
13 Sphephelo Sithole Midfielder
12 Thapelo Maseko Midfielder
10 Relebohile Mofokeng Midfielder
7 Oswin Appollis Midfielder
17 Evidence Makgopa Forward

Substitutes13

22 Ricardo Goss
16 Sipho Chaine
26 Bradley Cross
3 Khulumani Ndamane
19 Nkosinathi Sibisi
24 Olwethu Makhanya
18 Samukelo Kabini
2 Tholo Thabang Matuludi
23 Jayden Adams
25 Kamogelo Sebelebele
8 Tshepang Moremi
15 Iqraam Rayners
9 Lyle Foster

South Korea

System3-4-2-1Head coachMyung-Bo Hong

Starters11

1 Kim Seung-gyu Goalkeeper
2 Han-Beom Lee Defender
4 Kim Min-jae Defender
3 Gi-Hyuk Lee Defender
22 Young-woo Seol Midfielder
8 Seung Ho Paik Midfielder
6 Hwang In-beom Midfielder
13 Lee Tae-seok Midfielder
19 Kang-in Lee Forward
11 Hwang Hee-chan Forward
18 Hyeon-gyu Oh Forward

Substitutes15

21 Jo Hyeonwoo
12 Song Bum-keun
15 Kim Moon-hwan
5 Kim Tae-hyeon
14 Wi-je Cho
26 Dong-gyeong Lee
10 Jae-sung Lee
23 Jens Castrop
25 Ji-sung Eom
24 Jin-gyu Kim
16 Jin-seob Park
17 Jun-Ho Bae
9 Gue-sung Cho
20 Yang Hyun-Jun
7 Son Heung-min

South Africa

Upcoming 02:00 Estadio BBVA

South Korea

25/06/2026 02:00 Group A

Fil du match

Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.

Group A schedule

View full schedule

Group A

Team	J	G	N	P	BP	BC	Diff	Pts
Mexico	2	2	0	0	3	0	3	6
South Korea	2	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
Czech Republic	2	0	1	1	2	3	-1	1
South Africa	2	0	1	1	1	3	-2	1