South Africa Coach: "Only Victory Matters... We Will Exploit South Korea's Weaknesses"

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos (Belgium) emphasized that his team has no other option but to win ahead of their final Group A match against South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"For us, it is a must-win game. It might actually be simpler because we don't need to worry about various scenarios," Broos said during the official press conference held at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Wednesday (June 24). "The players will fight with everything they have for the victory."

South Africa lost 0-2 to the host nation Mexico in their first match and drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic in their second.

Although they have only secured one point so far, a victory in their third match against South Korea would allow them to advance to the Round of 32.

Broos did not hide his wariness regarding South Korea's strength.

"South Korea is a well-disciplined team with good physical attributes. They are a team that keeps running well for the full 90 minutes," Broos said. "It is important how we block South Korea's strengths and exploit their weaknesses."

When asked by domestic and international reporters about his tactics, he repeatedly replied, "I do not talk about tactics the day before a match."

"It is very difficult to decide (tactically) what to do—whether to be more aggressive or to wait. The South Korean national team is likely asking themselves the same questions, as they also have a 1-1 record and this next match is important for them as well," he said. "However, one thing is easy to answer: that is, we must win."

Broos candidly admitted that he did not know much about South Korea just a month ago.

"A month ago, they were a team I knew nothing about. But there are many tools and technologies available to analyze technical and tactical aspects. Now, I know South Korea well," he said confidently. "The only thing I don't know is the result. We are well-prepared for tomorrow's match."

Monterrey is significantly hotter than Guadalajara, where the national team's base camp is located.

The city is experiencing sweltering heat with high temperatures soaring around 35°C (95°F) and high humidity.

When asked if the high temperatures might work to the advantage of the South African players, Broos replied, "I don't know if we adapt better to high temperatures just because we are from Africa. We will see in tomorrow's match."

He added, "This kind of high temperature is not something you can adapt to in a day or two. It takes about one to two weeks."

South Africa played their first match in Mexico City, Mexico, and their second match in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States.

They have since returned to Mexico.

Broos lamented that the players have accumulated significant fatigue from traveling across the vast North American continent.

"The time zones are all different, and it is very tiring. It is not ideal, but this is the concept of the World Cup. We have to adapt," he said.

Broos signed a five-year contract with the South African Football Association in 2021.

At 74 years old, it is highly likely that this will be his final World Cup stage.

"I want to advance to the Round of 32. This is my last World Cup. I want to lead the team more successfully," he said.

The final Group A match between South Korea and South Africa will be held at Monterrey Stadium at 10:00 AM on June 25.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.