Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Kickoff: 4:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
Group Stage Match
VENUE: ARROWHEAD STADIUM
Location: 1 Arrowhead Dr., Kansas City, MO
Capacity: ~76,000 (World Cup configuration)
Surface: Natural grass
Pitch Profile: Wide, fast surface ideal for high‑tempo play and counterattacks
Atmosphere: One of the loudest stadiums in North America — crowd noise can disrupt buildup play
WEATHER FORECAST — KANSAS CITY, MO
(Outdoor stadium — weather directly impacts play)
Temperature: 88°F
Humidity: 58%
Wind: 11 mph from the southwest
Chance of Rain: 10%
Impact:
Warm conditions favor teams with strong fitness
Wind may affect long balls and crosses
South Korea’s high‑pressing style could benefit from the dry, fast pitch
INJURY REPORT
South Africa
Percy Tau — ACTIVE
Lyle Foster — ACTIVE
Teboho Mokoena — ACTIVE
Bongani Zungu — OUT (knee)
Thapelo Morena — ACTIVE
Ronwen Williams — ACTIVE (GK)
South Korea
Son Heung‑min — ACTIVE
Lee Kang‑in — ACTIVE
Kim Min‑jae — ACTIVE
Hwang Hee‑chan — ACTIVE
Hwang In‑beom — OUT (ankle)
Kim Jin‑su — OUT (hamstring)
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
Percy Tau (RSA) vs Kim Min‑jae (KOR)
Tau’s dribbling and movement between lines are South Africa’s best attacking weapon. Kim Min‑jae’s elite anticipation and physicality make this a high‑level duel.
Edge: South Korea
Teboho Mokoena (RSA) vs Lee Kang‑in (KOR)
Mokoena’s ball‑winning and long‑range shooting contrast with Lee’s creativity and tight‑space control. Whoever dictates midfield tempo will tilt the match.
Edge: Even
Son Heung‑min (KOR) vs South Africa’s Right Side
Son’s pace, diagonal runs, and finishing ability pose a major threat. South Africa must avoid leaving space behind their fullbacks.
Edge: South Korea (significant)
TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM
South Africa
Record (Last 5): W‑D‑L‑W‑L
Goals: 4 scored, 5 conceded
Trend: Strong defensive structure but inconsistent attack
Strength: Compact shape, counterattacks, set pieces
Weakness: Finishing, defending elite pace
South Korea
Record (Last 5): W‑W‑D‑L‑W
Goals: 9 scored, 6 conceded
Trend: Attack clicking; defensive line improving
Strength: Speed, technical quality, pressing
Weakness: Vulnerable to physical strikers and aerial duels
SERIES HISTORY
All‑Time Meetings: South Korea lead 2–1
Last Meeting: South Korea 1–0 South Africa (Friendly, 2010)
World Cup Meetings: First‑ever competitive matchup
BETTING TRENDS
South Africa
Under has hit in 7 of last 10 competitive matches
Scored first in 4 of last 6
3–1–2 vs AFC opponents since 2015
South Korea
Over has hit in 6 of last 8
Scored 2+ goals in 5 of last 7
5–2–1 in last 8 matches vs African opponents
Neutral Trends
Arrowhead Stadium’s wide pitch favors fast, transition‑heavy teams
South Korea’s style aligns well with the venue conditions
MATCH ODDS
South Africa + 425
South Korea – 150
Draw + 295
Over 2.5 + 100 Under 2.5 – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 23, 2026
