FIFA World Cup 2026: Top 5 South Korean stars who could hurt Bafana Bafana

South Korea head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a squad brimming with experience and technical quality.

If Bafana Bafana are to stand a chance, they’ll need to keep a close eye on these five stars who can change the game in an instant.

When Will Bafana Face South Korea?

The highly anticipated clash takes place on:
 Thursday, 25 June 2026
 Kick-off: 04:00 SAST
Venue: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico

This is Bafana’s final Group A match, and it could decide their fate in the tournament.

1. Son Heung‑min – The Talisman

• Age: 33
• Club: LAFC (MLS)
• Position: Forward
• Why He’s Dangerous:
  Son is South Korea’s all-time leading scorer and the undisputed face of Asian football. After a glittering career at Tottenham Hotspur, he shocked many by moving to LAFC in 2025, where he continued to dominate with double-digit goals and assists. His pace, finishing, and ability to create chances from nothing make him lethal. At 33, Son still has the stamina and intelligence to exploit defensive gaps.
• Key Threat: Quick transitions and clinical finishing on the counter.

2. Kim Min‑jae – The Wall

• Age: 29
• Club: Bayern Munich
• Position: Centre-Back
• Why He’s Dangerous:
  Kim Min-jae is one of the best defenders in the world. After winning Serie A with Napoli, he moved to Bayern Munich and became a cornerstone of their backline. His aerial dominance, strength in duels, and ability to play out from the back make him a nightmare for strikers. He also poses a set-piece threat, something Bafana must prepare for.
• Key Threat: Neutralizing Bafana’s attack and scoring from dead-ball situations.

3. Lee Kang‑in – The Creative Spark

• Age: 24
• Club: Paris Saint-Germain
• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Why He’s Dangerous:
  Lee Kang-in is South Korea’s midfield maestro. At PSG, he’s learned from some of the best, and his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate tempo are world-class. He thrives in tight spaces and can unlock defenses with a single pass. If Bafana allow him time on the ball, he will carve them open.
• Key Threat: Through balls and set-piece delivery.

4. Hwang Hee‑chan – The Bull

• Age: 30
• Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Position: Forward/Winger
• Why He’s Dangerous:
  Nicknamed “The Bull” for his aggressive style, Hwang combines pace, power, and relentless pressing. He’s a versatile attacker who can play wide or centrally, and his ability to exploit space behind defenders makes him a constant danger. He’s also clinical in front of goal, especially when given half a chance.
• Key Threat: High pressing and exploiting defensive lapses.

5. Oh Hyeon‑gyu – The Rising Star

• Age: 24
• Club: Genk
• Position: Striker
• Why He’s Dangerous:
  Oh Hyeon-gyu represents the next generation of South Korean forwards. Strong, mobile, and hungry, he’s already scored key goals in qualifiers and friendlies. His physicality and ability to hold up play add a different dimension to Korea’s attack, making him a perfect foil for Son and Hwang.
• Key Threat: Physical presence and finishing inside the box.

Why Bafana Must Be Wary

South Korea’s mix of experience and youth means they can hurt teams in multiple ways, through Son’s brilliance, Lee’s creativity, Hwang’s aggression, Kim’s solidity, and Oh’s unpredictability. For Bafana, discipline, compact defending, and quick transitions will be crucial to neutralize these threats.