South Korea defeated South Africa 3-1 on June 24 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, in their opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The four-goal contest ensured the total surpassed the 2.5-goal threshold, resolving the over/under market in favor of the over.
Captain Son Heung-min scored twice for South Korea, and defender Kim Min-jae added a third goal. Lyle Foster pulled one back for South Africa, but the Taegeuk Warriors held on for the win. The result places South Korea atop Group A after the first round of matches.
The match drew significant attention from fans and analysts, as both teams aimed to start their campaigns on a strong footing. South Korea’s commanding performance showcased their attacking depth, while South Africa will look to regroup ahead of their next group-stage fixture.
With the group stage continuing, South Korea will face their next opponent, while South Africa seeks its first points. The tournament remains in its early phase, with group standings set to evolve over the coming days.
