2026 World Cup: Ex-Nigeria striker warns ‘tactically dull’ South Africa ahead of must-win Korea clash

Former Al-Nassr striker Henry Makinwa has shared a brutal verdict about South Africa's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ahead of their final group game against South Korea, Soccernet.ng reports.

Bafana Bafana lost embarrassingly to Mexico in the opening fixture of the tournament at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raul Gimenez sealed a victory for El Tri, but Hugo Broos' men went down to nine men in the course of the game as Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were given red cards in the second half.

South Africa's second group game against Czechia saw the one-time African Champions put up a spirited performance, but could only seal a point.

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Henry Makinwa warns South Africa ahead of Korea World Cup clash

With a point from two games, Bafana Bafana face the possibility of being the first team to exit the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they refuse to win against Myung-Bo Hong's side.

“The match against South Korea will determine South Africa’s fate,” the one-time Romanian Champion said in an interview with Footy Africa.

“In the World Cup, there are no underdogs and anything can still happen.

Reflecting on Bafana Bafana's opening two World Cup fixtures, Makinwa said:

“South Africa were not tactically sound against Mexico

“There was a change in their identity and style of play. Using three centre-backs against Mexico was a departure from South Africa’s traditional approach.

“Against Czechia, they returned to a 4-3-3 formation, which is their traditional system.

“They showed energy, determination and a strong desire to win because they knew they needed a positive result to keep their hopes of qualification alive. It was a good result against Czechia,” the 48-year-old concluded.

South Africa's head coach, Hugo Broos, has come under fire for the team's performances at the World Cup. The Belgian coach will step down from his position at the end of the Copa Mundial, bringing his five-year stint with Bafana Bafana to an end.

Their final group game will be played against South Korea next Thursday at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico. You can confirm the kick-off time here.