The Korea men's national soccer team led by Hong Myung-bo finished the first half 0-0 on June 25 (Korea time) in the third group-stage match against South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.

South Korea national soccer team goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parries a shot to avert a goal in the Group A third match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup between South Korea and South Africa at Estadio de Monterrey in Mexico on the 24th (local time) /Courtesy of News1

The match, with a spot in the round of 32 on the line, was held at Monterrey Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico. Korea could reach the round of 32 by holding on to at least a draw to stay second in the group.

However, Korea was on the back foot throughout the first half and failed to record even one shot on target. Early in the half, Lee Kang-in received a pass from Lee Tae-seok and took a left-footed shot, creating a single threatening moment—that was all.

South Africa created several threatening moments on quick counters. In the 30th minute, in particular, a defensive passing error led to a turnover, and Tlalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa fired back-to-back shots on target, but Kim Seung-gyu's successive super saves kept Korea out of trouble.

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