'Likely to miss group stage': Hong Myung-bo's team faces final opponent with 'zero big leaguers'... Ace is a 'domestic midfielder'

*This content was translated by AI.

Judging by the squad alone, it appears to be the weakest team in Group A. The South African national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will face South Africa, their final group-stage opponent in the World Cup, which has announced a final roster composed primarily of domestic players as it heads to the North American stage.

Under coach Wigo Bros, South Africa announced its final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup on the 28th (Korean time). According to the South African Football Association, the Lee Beon (CEO) team filled 19 of its 26 spots with players from the domestic league.

On the same day, the British newspaper 'The Guardian' reported on a guide for South Africa's national team participating in the North American World Cup, focusing intensively on their strength and group-stage schedule.

South Africa, which is in Group A of the World Cup finals alongside South Korea, is known as an African dark horse boasting strong team chemistry under the command of coach Bros.

When coach Bros, originally from Belgium, took charge in 2021, South Africa was a weak team that had not reached the World Cup finals for 11 years. However, under Bros' leadership, the team successfully improved its constitution, achieving the remarkable feat of advancing to the finals of three consecutive major tournaments: the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and this North American World Cup.

South Africa's final roster is anchored by the two pillars of the domestic Premier Soccer League. Coach Bros selected a total of 16 players, eight each from Mamelodi Sundowns, which topped the 2024-25 CAF Champions League this season, and Orlando Pirates, which ended Sundowns' nine-year title streak and reclaimed the championship title for the first time in 14 years. Among them, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams will serve as the team captain.

However, only five players are active overseas. Leading the frontline attack is Lyle Foster (Burnley), along with defenders Ime Ocon (Hannover), midfielders Samukelile Kavini (Molde) and Spifelo Sithole (Tondela), and forward Tafelo Maseko (Limassol). In particular, Foster's club Burnley finished 19th out of 20 teams in the English Premier League (EPL) this season, confirming their relegation to the second-tier Championship for the next season, meaning there are no players active in Europe's top leagues. Even including Owetu Makanya (Philadelphia Union) and Mvkezeli Mbokazi, who play in the United States, the number of overseas players totals just seven.

Accordingly, 'The Guardian' predicted that "South Africa is drawn in a group with host nation Mexico, South Korea, and Czech Republic, making their chances of reaching the tournament knockout stage not very high." Coach Bros also stated in a previous interview, "Playing against world-class powerhouses will be a very good experience for our team. We will learn a lot, but anything can happen in football. We will fight until the end, as we have done in recent years."

The media identified midfielder Puso Mokoenya (Mamelodi) as the core of South Africa's strength. A notable rookie selected was 166cm short winger Lelobohile Mopokeng (Orlando Pirates).

Among the potential threats is Foster, who scored three goals in 26 matches of the 2025-2026 EPL. The media evaluated, "Foster lacks flashy skills but is a key resource that breaks through the attack with overwhelming aerial duels and post play in the frontline."

The match against Hong Myung-bo's team is the final group-stage game. South Korea and South Africa will play their fateful third match at 10 a.m. on the 25th at Monterrey Stadium. This match is likely to determine who advances to the round of 16.

Prior to that, South Africa will play the opening match against host nation Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on the 12th. They will then face Czech Republic in their second match at Atlanta Stadium on the 19th before meeting South Korea. South Korea, in the same group, will play their first match against Czech Republic at Estadio Guadalajara on the 12th and their second match against Mexico at the same venue on the 19th.

GK: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Gos (Chiwellele), Sipho Chain (Orlando Pirates)

DF: Liso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Klumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Owetu Makanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Tafang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Ocon (Hannover), Samukelile Kavini (Molde), Mvkezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)

MF: Puso Mokoenya, Jaden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Talente Mbatata (Orlando Pirates), Spifelo Sithole (Tondela)

FW: Swyn Apollis, Chepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lelobohile Mopokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Ikram Reiners, Temba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Tafelo Maseko (Limassol)

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*This content was translated by AI.