Son on the bench: South Africa-South Korea XIs

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, South Africa face South Korea, and both confirmed starting XIs are out. The most striking detail of the match is that South Korea's star and captain Son Heung-Min is not in the XI; the experienced player starts this crucial game on the bench.

For South Africa, Ronwen Williams is in goal and wears the captain's armband. In defence, names like Thabo Maseko, Khuliso Mudau and Mbekezeli Mbokazi feature, while in midfield Themba Mbatha and Aubrey Modiba battle. Up top, names like Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa and Relebohile Mofokeng make up South Africa's attacking force. South Africa take the field without the red-card-suspended Zwane and the yellow-card-suspended Mokoena.

For South Korea, head coach Hong Myung-Bo's choices are confirmed. Kim Seung-Gyu is in goal, while in defence captain Kim Min-Jae leads; names like Lee Gi-Hyuk and Seol Young-Woo are in defence. In midfield Hwang In-Beom and Paik Seung-Ho battle, while up front star names like Hwang Hee-Chan and Lee Kang-In feature. Two of the team's most important players, Son Heung-Min and Yang Hyun-Jun, start the game on the bench.

This game is of critical importance to both teams in the fight to advance. Although South Korea, ranked 25th in the FIFA rankings, are favourites on paper against 60th-ranked South Africa, Hong Myung-Bo's decision to start Son Heung-Min on the bench is awaited with interest for how the game unfolds. South Africa, one of Africa's strong sides, are after a surprise with home energy behind them. The two teams' confirmed XIs point to a hard-fought contest where everything is on the line for a place in the next round.

Confirmed XIs
South Africa: Williams (GK/C); Maseko, Mbatha, Mbokazi, Modiba, Mudau; Appollis, Makgopa, Mofokeng, Okon, Sithole
South Korea: Kim Seung-Gyu (GK); Kim Min-Jae (C), Lee Gi-Hyuk, Lee Tae-Seok, Seol Young-Woo; Hwang In-Beom, Lee Kang-In, Paik Seung-Ho; Hwang Hee-Chan, Oh Hyeon-Gyu, Lee H.

Image: Yahoo Sports