Park Ji-sung: I Believe We Can Win South Africa If...

Former Manchester United star Park Ji-sung has backed South Korea to overcome South Africa, highlighting the key factor he believes could secure the Asian nation's place in the Round of 32.

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The Taegeuk Warriors made a positive start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Czechia before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their second Group A encounter.

With only the clash against Hugo Broos' side remaining, South Korea know that qualification remains firmly within their grasp heading into the final round of fixtures.

A victory over Bafana Bafana would move South Korea onto six points and guarantee their place in the knockout stages. Depending on the outcome between Mexico and Czechia, it could even see them challenge for the top spot in the group.

According to Park, however, qualification will ultimately come down to how well South Korea prepare for the encounter.

"If we prepare well, I believe we can advance to the Round of 32 by winning against South Africa. Since we haven't scored first in any game, the players must have felt quite fatigued," Park said, according to The Chosun Daily.

"If we score first, we can gain a significant advantage and play better. I think it would be very good to maintain a clean sheet defensively."

The former midfielder also shared his assessment of South Africa, praising the quality within the squad while insisting that South Korea possess the stronger collective unit.

"While individual players possess strength, skill, and speed, I believe our overall team strength is superior. If we show what we've prepared and maintain our form, I think we have a high chance of winning."

Park went on to identify Bafana's dangerous wide areas as one of the biggest challenges South Korea will need to overcome.

"Their side attacks are very fast. Not only wingers but also fullbacks push up high. How effectively we block these side attacks will be crucial."

The South Korean legend also pointed to what he believes is a potential weakness in Broos' side's game.

"South Africa often builds plays from the back, and they frequently concede when pressured upfront. Forcing errors will be important.

"Such moments could change the outcome."

With both teams still chasing a place in the Round of 32, Thursday's showdown promises to be one of the most significant fixtures in Group A.

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South Korea will be aiming to secure progression with a victory, while Bafana Bafana know that a positive result could keep their dream of a historic World Cup knockout-stage appearance alive.