Kickoff Times Around the World
| City | Local Time | Timezone | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTC | 01:00 | UTC | Thursday 25 June 2026 |
| London | 02:00 | BST | Thursday 25 June 2026 |
| Paris | 03:00 | CEST | Thursday 25 June 2026 |
| Madrid | 03:00 | CEST | Thursday 25 June 2026 |
| Budapest | 03:00 | CEST | Thursday 25 June 2026 |
| Bucharest | 04:00 | EEST | Thursday 25 June 2026 |
| New York | 9:00 PM | EDT | Wednesday 24 June 2026 |
| Los Angeles | 6:00 PM | PDT | Wednesday 24 June 2026 |
| Mumbai | 06:30 | IST | Thursday 25 June 2026 |
| Sydney | 11:00 | AEST | Thursday 25 June 2026 |
Where to Watch
United Kingdom
BBC and ITV share World Cup broadcasting rights in the UK, meaning South Africa vs South Korea will be available on one or both of those channels depending on their scheduling split. Both are free-to-air, so no pay-TV subscription is required. Check the BBC Sport website or ITV’s schedule closer to the date to confirm which channel carries this specific fixture.
With a 02:00 BST kick-off on Thursday 25 June, this is unquestionably a late-night commitment for viewers in Britain. Whether you are watching live or setting a recording, make sure your device or set-top box is confirmed for the right channel in advance.
United States
FOX holds the English-language broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup in the United States, while Telemundo carries the Spanish-language coverage. For a 9:00 PM EDT Wednesday evening kick-off — 6:00 PM PDT on the West Coast — this is a prime-time slot for American audiences, which should translate into significant viewership. Fans on the East Coast can settle in after dinner; those in Los Angeles get an early-evening start.
FOX’s coverage will be available through the main FOX broadcast network, while Telemundo serves Spanish-speaking viewers across the country.
Canada
TSN and CTV are the designated broadcasters for World Cup matches in Canada. As with the US, the Wednesday evening timing is favourable for Canadian viewers, particularly on the East Coast where kick-off falls at 9:00 PM EDT. Check TSN’s broadcast schedule for confirmation of the specific channel and any simulcast arrangements with CTV.
Streaming Without a Subscription
Official rights-holder streaming
In the UK, both BBC iPlayer and the ITVX platform offer free online streaming tied to their respective broadcast rights — no paid subscription is needed, though a valid UK TV licence applies to BBC iPlayer. In the US, FOX’s streaming platform is accessible to those with a participating TV provider login, and Telemundo’s digital services carry the Spanish feed. Canadian viewers can access TSN’s stream with a cable or satellite subscription, or via a standalone TSN subscription. CTV’s digital platform may also carry the match where applicable.
VPN note
Some viewers use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access streams from outside their home country. While this is technically possible, it may violate the terms of service of the platform in question and potentially circumvent territorial broadcast rights. This guide does not endorse or recommend that approach. The safest option is always to use the official broadcaster in your country of residence.
No official free global stream has been confirmed for this fixture outside the broadcast markets listed above. Viewers in other territories should consult the official FIFA website or local listings for details.
Our Match Preview
For a detailed breakdown of both squads, tactical analysis, and a match prediction, read our South Africa vs South Korea FIFA World Cup 2026 preview. It covers the key battles to watch when Bafana Bafana line up against South Korea in what is set to be a compelling group-stage contest.
FAQ
- What time is South Africa vs South Korea in my city?
- Kick-off is at 01:00 UTC on Thursday 25 June 2026. That converts to: London 02:00 BST (Thu 25 Jun), Paris/Madrid/Budapest 03:00 CEST (Thu 25 Jun), Bucharest 04:00 EEST (Thu 25 Jun), New York 9:00 PM EDT (Wed 24 Jun), Los Angeles 6:00 PM PDT (Wed 24 Jun), Mumbai 06:30 IST (Thu 25 Jun), and Sydney 11:00 AEST (Thu 25 Jun).
- Is South Africa vs South Korea on free TV?
- Yes, in several major markets. In the UK, it will be shown on BBC or ITV — both free-to-air channels. In the US, FOX (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) are the broadcasters, with FOX available as a free over-the-air network. In Canada, CTV is a free-to-air option alongside TSN.
- Where can I stream South Africa vs South Korea?
- UK viewers can stream via BBC iPlayer or ITVX for free (BBC iPlayer requires a valid TV licence). In the US, FOX's and Telemundo's digital platforms carry the match. In Canada, TSN's streaming service and CTV's digital platform are the options. Outside these markets, check the official FIFA website for your territory's streaming rights.
- Can I watch South Africa vs South Korea online?
- Yes. All the listed broadcasters — BBC iPlayer, ITVX, FOX, Telemundo, TSN, and CTV — offer online or app-based viewing alongside their traditional TV broadcasts. Access conditions vary: BBC iPlayer is free with a TV licence, while TSN may require a subscription. Check each platform's individual requirements before kick-off.
- What channel is the South Africa vs South Korea World Cup match on in the UK?
- The match will be shown on either BBC or ITV in the UK, both of which hold shared broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup. Check the BBC Sport website or the ITV schedule closer to Thursday 25 June to confirm which channel has this specific fixture.