Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opponents name squad

Korea Republic have confirmed their final squad for FIFA World Cup 2026, with several Europe-based stars included as they prepare for a challenging Group A campaign alongside South Africa, Czech Republic and co-hosts Mexico.

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The Asian powerhouse will begin their World Cup journey against the Czech Republic on Friday, 12 June, one day after South Africa face Mexico in the tournament opener.

Son Set for Fourth World Cup

Veteran captain Son Heung-min headlines the squad and is set to feature at his fourth FIFA World Cup, underlining his enduring importance to the national side.

The experienced forward remains Korea Republic’s talisman and will once again carry the hopes of a nation aiming to make a deep run in the competition.

European Stars Included

Head coach Hong Myung-bo has also named several top-level European-based players, including attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain.

In defence, towering centre-back Kim Min-jae from Bayern Munich is expected to play a key role in providing defensive stability.

Bafana Given Early Glimpse of Group Rivals

For Bafana Bafana, Korea Republic’s squad announcement offers an early indication of the challenge awaiting them in Group A.

With proven international experience, elite European talent, and one of Asia’s most respected footballing histories, Korea Republic are expected to be among the strongest contenders in the group.

A look at the latest FIFA rankings shows that Mexico are in 15th place, Korea Republic in 26th spot, Czech Republic are 41st while South Africa are down in 60th place.

As the countdown to the tournament continues, all eyes will now turn to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and the final South African squad announcement which is expected to take place on Wednesday, 27 May.

Bafana Bafana’s Group A Fixtures (SA time)

• Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00
• Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00
• Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs Korea Republic, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00

Other Group A matches

• Friday, 12 June: Korea Republic vs Czech Republic – 04:00
• Friday, 19 June: Mexico vs Korea Republic – 03:00
• Thursday, 25 June: Czech Republic vs Mexico – 03:00

FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Czech Republic
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

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Full Korea Republic Squad

Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan), Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk)

Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Kim Tae-hyon (Kashima Antlers), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade), Jens Castrop (Borussia Monchengladbach), Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Wien), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), Cho Yu-min (Sharjah)

Midfielders: Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea), Lee Kang-in (Paris St-Germain), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves)

Forwards: Son Heung-min (LAFC), Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besitkas), Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland)