South Korea’s Lee Gi-hyeok and South Africa’s Thapelo Maseko battle for the ball during the World Cup Group A match between South Africa and South Korea in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, on June 24, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
AP

South Africa coach Hugo Broos believes his team can make history by reaching the World Cup’s second round ‌for the first time, but said they must beat South Korea in ⁠a do-or-die Group A showdown in Monterrey on Wednesday (June 24, 2026).

After a 1-0 loss to Mexico in Guadalajara, South Korea sits second in the group with three points. South Africa and the Czech Republic each have one point from a 1-1 draw. A win or draw for South Korea would be enough to advance to the knockout stage, while South Africa must win to be sure of avoiding elimination.

A second-place group result would take the South Korean team to Los Angeles for its round of 32 match against the runner-up in Group B. Los Angeles would be another comfortable destination for the team. The city is home to more than 300,000 Korean-Americans.

(With inputs from agencies)

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