Bafana Bafana starting XI to expect vs South Korea

Bafana Bafana are expected to make several changes for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A clash against South Korea.

The must-win encounter takes place on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, with kick-off scheduled for 03:00 SA time. A victory would significantly boost Bafana Bafana’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

THREE CHANGES FOR SOUTH AFRICA

One enforced change is expected in midfield. Sphephelo Sithole returns from suspension and is tipped to replace the suspended Teboho Mokoena. Sithole missed the previous match but should slot straight back into the starting lineup.

Further forward, head coach Hugo Broos could reward two impact substitutes with starting berths. Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa impressed after coming off the bench against Czechia and are expected to start ahead of Jayden Adams and Iqraam Rayners.

Captain Ronwen Williams is likely to retain his place in goal behind a back four of Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba.

In midfield, Thalente Mbatha is expected to partner Sithole, while Mofokeng could operate in the attacking midfield role behind the front three.

Also read: Bafana Bafana vs South Korea: Three SABC Channels to televise FIFA World Cup Clash

On the wings, Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Maseko are expected to provide pace and creativity, with Makgopa leading the line as Bafana Bafana search for goals.

EXPECTED BAFANA BAFANA STARTING XI VS SOUTH KOREA

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba

Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Evidence Makgopa.

WHO IS IN THE BAFANA BAFANA WORLD CUP SQUAD?

Goalkeepers

• Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
• Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC)

Defenders

• Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
• Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs)
• Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)
• Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway)
• Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
• Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany)
• Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA)
• Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders

• Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal)
• Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)

Forwards

• Lyle Foster (Burnley, England)
• Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
• Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)
• Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
• Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
• Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
• Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns).

HOW HAVE BAFANA PERFORMED AT PREVIOUS WORLD CUPS?

France 1998

• Lost 3-0 vs France
• Drew 1-1 vs Denmark
• Drew 2-2 vs Saudi Arabia

Finish: Third

Korea/Japan 2002

• Drew 2-2 vs Paraguay
• Beat Slovenia 1-0
• Lost 3-2 vs Spain

Finish: Third

South Africa 2010

• Drew 1-1 vs Mexico
• Lost 3-0 vs Uruguay
• Beat France 2-1

Finish: Third

Russia 2018

Did not qualify

Qatar 2022

Did not qualify.