'Son Heung-min as the lone striker → Mexico lineup remains identical'... Expected lineup for South Africa match revealed [World Cup issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

The expected lineup for Hong Myung-bo's squad in the final group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, aiming for a direct qualification to the Round of 32, has been revealed. While South Korea is expected to field nearly the same lineup, their opponent, South Africa, is set to make significant roster changes due to suspensions of key players.

The South Korean national football team will face South Africa in the final third match of Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North, Central America and the Caribbean, at 10 a.m. (Korean time) on the 25th at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

Ahead of the match, prominent statistical media outlet 'Opta' predicted that South Korea would field the same lineup as in their previous second match against Mexico.

The outlet projected that Son Heung-min (LAFC) would play as the lone striker up front, with Lee Jae-sung (Mainz) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) operating as wide midfielders. In the midfield and wide areas, Seol Young-woo (Crvena Zvezda), Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), and Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon Hana Citizen) are expected to line up. The back three is projected to consist of Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), with Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo) guarding the goal.

The U.S. sports media outlet 'Sports Illustrated' also analyzed that South Korea would face South Africa using a 3-4-2-1 formation. The outlet predicted a back three of goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Ki-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Han-beom.

In the midfield, the possibility of starting Lee Tae-seok (Austria Vienna), who started against the Czech Republic, was opened following Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, and Baek Seung-ho. The outlet expected Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung to be deployed on the second line, with Son Heung-min up front.

Furthermore, the outlet stated, "Although South Korea narrowly lost 0-1 to Mexico, they left a strong impression in this tournament." It added, "Son Heung-min has yet to fire his goal-scoring machine in this World Cup and has shown poor form, but his finishing ability remains threatening. He is expected to bounce back soon."

Additionally, the outlet included a specific score prediction that South Korea would defeat South Africa 2-0 and eliminate them, while also noting the potential for Oh Hyun-gyu (Besiktas) and Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City) to make an impact.

In contrast, South Africa, which absolutely needs a victory, has faced an emergency in assembling its lineup due to the loss of key personnel. 'Sports Illustrated' predicted that South Africa would use a 4-3-3 formation but also pointed out the suspension variables.

For South Africa, key midfielder Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) will be absent due to accumulated yellow cards, and Temba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns) is also suspended for three matches. As a consolation, key central midfielder Siphesihle Sithole (Tondela), who has served his one-match ban from the first game, is expected to return.

The expected starting lineup for South Africa predicted by the media features goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in goal, with a back four of Lizo Madau (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover), Mvukezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), and Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns). The midfield is expected to be composed of Talente Mabhuta (Orlando Pirates), Sithole, and Jaden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), while the front three is projected to be led by Tafelo Maseko (Limassol), Oswyn Apollis (Orlando Pirates), and Ikram Reiners (Mamelodi Sundowns).

'Sports Illustrated' stated, "South Korea, ranked 25th in the FIFA rankings, is clearly superior in objective strength to South Africa, ranked 60th." It further predicted, "South Africa's impatience as they push forward aggressively to secure three points will likely work in South Korea's favor."

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*This content was translated by AI.