South Africa trains indoors as it prepares for must-win clash with South Korea

South Africa, South Korea's third and final group-stage opponent at the 2026 World Cup, held an indoor training session Sunday — their second day back at base camp — as they stepped up preparations for the match.

The South African squad, coached by Hugo Broos of Belgium, continued its buildup in Pachuca, a high-altitude city in Mexico's Hidalgo state where the team has set up its World Cup base camp.

Sunday's session moved indoors, away from the outdoor pitch at the Pachuca Football University where the team had been training. The South African camp told Yonhap News Agency that training had not been canceled. "Today the players will exercise at the indoor facility and receive treatment, as planned by the technical staff," a team official said.

The shift appeared designed to let the squad recover while still maintaining fitness. It came two days after the team returned to Pachuca following a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta, and one day after resuming outdoor training.

The Group A third-round match between South Korea and South Africa kicks off at 10 a.m. Korean Standard Time Thursday at Monterrey Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, and carries significant stakes for both sides.

South Korea, under coach Hong Myung-bo, beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opener before losing 1-0 to co-host Mexico, and will secure a place in the round of 32 with a win or a draw. South Africa sit bottom of Group A with one point from a draw and a loss, and must win to keep their hopes alive.

South Africa will be without two key midfielders for the match. Themba Zwane was sent off against Mexico in the first group game and received a three-match suspension, ruling him out against South Korea, while midfielder Teboho Mokoena picked up a yellow card against the Czech Republic and is suspended after accumulating bookings.

Another midfielder, Sphelele Sithole of Tondela, who was also sent off in the Mexico match, is eligible to play against South Korea. The South African squad is expected to travel to Monterrey on Monday, two days before the match.