South Africa vs South Korea

South Africa have never advanced beyond the first group stage in their three World Cup appearances (1998, 2002 and 2010 as hosts).

South Africa have yet to win a match in 2026, drawing 3 and losing 3 from 6 recent fixtures (including friendlies) (0W-3D-3L).

South Africa have won none of their last 6 fixtures (including friendlies), going 0W-3D-3L with 4 goals scored and 8 goals conceded.

South Africa travel about 1,777 km from Atlanta to Monterrey for this match, moving 2 hours back.

South Africa's World Cup opening-match record is 0W-2D-1L: they lost 3-0 to France in 1998, drew 2-2 with Paraguay in 2002, and drew 1-1 with Mexico in 2010.

South Africa have scored just 3 goals in their last five fixtures (including friendlies), after netting 9 goals in the five before that.

South Africa have conceded in each of their last 6 World Cup matches, going 1W-2D-3L with 6 goals scored and 11 goals conceded. A repeat in their next match would be their longest such run in World Cup history.

South Korea are winless in their last 4 World Cup matches against African teams (1D-3L).

South Korea have conceded 10 goals in their last five World Cup matches, compared to just 4 goals in the five before that.

South Korea have won 1 of their 5 World Cup matches against African teams (1W-1D-3L).

South Korea have conceded in each of their last 5 World Cup matches, going 2W-0D-3L with 7 goals scored and 10 goals conceded.

South Korea travel about 1,460 km from Guadalajara to Monterrey for this match, with no time-zone change.

South Africa and South Korea have never met at a FIFA World Cup. This will be their first World Cup encounter.

South Africa and South Korea have never met at a World Cup before — this is their first meeting.