Korea Republic at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Korea Republic is Asia's most frequent World Cup participant, having qualified for 11 tournaments. Their first appearance was in 1954 and they went five editions without recording a victory. Their crowning achievement came in 2002, when they co-hosted the tournament with Japan and reached the semi-finals, eventually finishing fourth - the best result ever achieved by an Asian nation. They have appeared in every World Cup since 1986, making 2026 their tenth consecutive qualification.

Qualification

Korea Republic qualified through the AFC third-round qualifiers, finishing as winners of Group B, which also included Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait. They were the only Asian side to go unbeaten throughout the qualifying campaign. A 2-0 away victory over Iraq sealed their place in the tournament before the final matchday. They qualified directly as group winners, without needing to enter any further playoff rounds.

Preparation

Korea Republic departed for their pre-tournament training camp in Salt Lake City, Utah on 18 May 2026, choosing the high-altitude environment (about 1,460 metres) to acclimatize ahead of matches at venues across Mexico. The squad won both U.S. warm-ups: 5-0 over Trinidad and Tobago on 31 May (braces from Son Heung-min and Cho Gue-sung, plus a Hwang Hee-chan penalty) and 1-0 over El Salvador on 4 June (Lee Dong-gyeong free-kick). They then moved to The Westin Guadalajara base camp in Zapopan on 5 June. On 10 June Kim Tae-hyeon sustained an ankle injury in training and was initially ruled out of the group stage, but reassessment confirmed it was an average sprain: he and Bae Jun-ho both returned to full training on 15 June ahead of the Mexico match. Korea opened their campaign on 12 June by coming from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 (Hwang In-beom 67', Oh Hyeon-gyu 80'). Between matches, controversy erupted after footage surfaced of unidentified journalists mocking Son Heung-min over his military service during the June 7 training session; the KFA issued a statement on June 16 condemning the remarks and the squad refused to speak with Korean media outside official commitments. On 18 June Korea lost 1-0 to Mexico (Luis Romo 50', after a Kim Seung-gyu goalkeeping error), leaving them in second place in Group A with 3 points. Son Heung-min was substituted at the 57th minute without registering a shot, attracting widespread criticism; Hong Myung-bo defended his team's effort and called for focus on the final group match. After two rest days (20-21 June) with family time, the squad flew by charter from Guadalajara to Monterrey on 22 June. On 24 June Korea suffered a stunning 1-0 defeat to South Africa at Estadio BBVA: coach Hong Myung-bo benched Son Heung-min for the first time in 13 World Cup appearances, deploying Oh Hyeon-gyu as starter. Thapelo Maseko scored from a counterattack in the 63rd minute; Son entered at halftime but Korea created only 0.90 xG despite 68% possession. Hong told reporters post-match 'I guess I made the wrong decisions.' Korea finished third in Group A (W1 D0 L2, 3 points, GD:-1). On 27 June, their elimination was confirmed when DR Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in the final Group K match, pushing South Korea down to 10th among the 12 third-place finishers -- only the top eight advance to the Round of 32. The following day Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation in Guadalajara, stating: 'I believe that the position of head coach is one in which responsibility is so great that no explanation is necessary when the results fall short.' The exit drew harsh criticism from President Lee Jae Myung, who said: 'If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.' The KFA announced it would not hold a homecoming ceremony, the first time since 2002 the squad returns without one. Cho Yu-min remains out with a plantar fascia tear. When Hong and part of the squad landed at Incheon on 30 June, around 300 fans jeered them; the rest of the squad, including Son Heung-min, received a warm welcome from about 50 supporters the following day, with Son telling reporters only 'I'm sorry.' KFA president Chung Mong-gyu resigned on 6 July after 13 years and 5 months in charge, having accelerated a previously planned post-World-Cup departure amid the fallout; a vice president will act as president pending a KFA election. The national team strengthening committee held its first meeting on 3 July to begin the search for Hong's successor, with no candidate named yet and preparation for the January 2027 AFC Asian Cup among its considerations.

Latest news

Lee Kang-in reaches verbal agreement to leave PSG for Atletico Madrid

· general

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on July 6 that Lee Kang-in and Atletico Madrid had a verbal agreement for a transfer fee of just over EUR40 million (about $45.8m), with formal steps still to follow. The move would return Lee to Spanish football, where he previously played for Valencia and Mallorca, after struggling for regular game time at PSG.

KFA president Chung Mong-gyu officially resigns after 13 years and 5 months in charge

· general

The KFA announced Chung (Jeong) Mong-gyu's resignation on July 6. He said he 'worked only toward the development and glory of Korean football,' stepping down as 'a passionate football fan.' A vice president will act as president pending KSOC approval, ahead of an election. Chung had planned to leave after the World Cup but accelerated his exit following the group-stage elimination.

KFA strengthening committee holds first meeting on selecting the next national team coach

· coach

The KFA's national team strengthening committee met for the first time on July 3 to discuss the coach vacancy left by Hong Myung-bo's resignation. It reviewed 'multi-faceted directional approaches,' weighing the A-match schedule, the KFA election timeline, and prep for the January 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and said it would prioritise operational stability for the national team.

Son Heung-min and squad return to a warm welcome at Incheon; captain says "I'm sorry"

· general

The remaining South Korea players arrived at Incheon International Airport early on July 1, greeted by about 50 supporters wearing jerseys and holding banners such as 'Son Heung-min forever.' Asked if he had a message for fans, captain Son Heung-min replied simply, 'I'm sorry.' The reception contrasted with the jeers directed at former coach Hong Myung-bo's group a day earlier.

Hong Myung-bo jeered by about 300 fans on return to Incheon airport

· coach

Former head coach Hong Myung-bo and eight other squad members arrived at Incheon International Airport on June 30, where roughly 300 fans loudly jeered them following the World Cup group-stage elimination, a sharp contrast to the warm reception given to the rest of the squad the following day.

Hong Myung-bo resigns as South Korea coach less than 24 hours after World Cup group-stage elimination

· coach

Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday morning in Guadalajara, under 24 hours after Korea's elimination was confirmed. He said: 'I believe that the position of head coach is one in which responsibility is so great that no explanation is necessary when the results fall short.' Korea finished third in Group A (W1 D0 L2), their worst World Cup since 1998, a sharp contrast to the 2022 round-of-16 advance.

President Lee Jae Myung condemns 'factionalism' in Hong appointment; KFA cancels homecoming ceremony

· general

President Lee Jae Myung condemned the coaching appointment after the World Cup exit: 'If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.' He called for a full review of the national team programme. The KFA announced no homecoming ceremony for the returning squad, the first time since 2002.

South Korea eliminated from 2026 World Cup as DR Congo result ends third-place hopes

· general

Korea's 2026 World Cup ended when DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in the final Group K match on 27 June, dropping Korea to 10th among the 12 third-place finishers. Only the top eight advance to the Round of 32. Korea's 3 points and -1 GD were surpassed by teams including Senegal (3 pts, +2 GD) and Iran (3 pts, 0 GD). Their 34th-place finish is described as the team's worst-ever World Cup result.

South Africa 1-0 South Korea: Maseko winner eliminates Korea from automatic qualification

· matches

Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute at Estadio BBVA. Son Heung-min was benched for the first time in 13 World Cup appearances; he entered at halftime but Korea managed only 0.90 xG despite 68% possession and 3 shots on target. Korea finish third in Group A (3 pts, GD:-1), awaiting other groups to see if they survive as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Hong Myung-bo admits 'I made the wrong decisions' after Son benching backfires

· general

Hong Myung-bo benched Son Heung-min to use him when South Africa's energy faded and space opened. The plan failed: Hong told reporters 'I guess I made the wrong decisions and that was the reason we had a bad result' and called it Korea's worst game. South Korean media described the performance as 'unacceptable' and 'dismal' and labelled the lineup changes a complete failure.

Son Heung-min benched vs South Africa for first time in 13 World Cup games

· general

Hong Myung-bo dropped captain Son Heung-min from the starting XI for the South Africa match, starting Oh Hyeon-gyu instead. Lee Tae-seok and Hwang Hee-chan also came in, replacing Kim Moon-hwan and Lee Jae-sung. Hong reasoned Son would have more impact as a late substitute when opponents lost energy. Son entered at halftime but could not make a decisive contribution.

Korea third in Group A with 3 points; survival depends on best third-place table

· general

South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses (W1 D0 L2, GF:2 GA:3, GD:-1, 3 points). In the expanded 48-team format, eight best third-placed sides across 12 groups advance to the round of 32. Korea ranked around fourth among third-place teams as groups complete; they await results from remaining groups before their knockout-stage status is confirmed.

Korea relocate to Monterrey for South Africa decider; adapt to different pitch surface

· general

After rest days June 20-21, Korea flew by charter from Guadalajara to Monterrey on June 22, their first base change since the tournament began. Estadio BBVA uses Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass; officials had planted identical grass at their base to maximise familiarity. Lee Han-beom: 'We will win against South Africa no matter what.' Kick-off forecast 30-31 degrees Celsius.

Foreign media lambast Korea-Mexico as dullest World Cup match; BBC criticises Group A quality

· general

International outlets gave harsh reviews after Korea's 0-1 defeat to Mexico. The Athletic noted the game had the lowest combined expected goals at the tournament so far. BBC called it 'the most boring match since the World Cup began' and criticised Group A as 'the lowest-quality group in the tournament'. The Guardian ran the headline 'Korea's fatal error hands Mexico the win'.

Eom Ji-sung blames 'bad luck' after Rangel's 87th-minute double save denied Korea equaliser

· general

Substitute Eom Ji-sung said Korea's loss to Mexico was 'just a matter of bad luck' after delivering a cross to Cho Gue-sung whose header was clawed away by goalkeeper Rangel in the 87th minute. Eom said his timing felt perfect on the play. South Korea face South Africa on June 24 in their decisive group finale.

South Africa to face Korea missing two midfielders: Mokoena suspended, Zwane banned three matches

· general

Korea's route to the knockout stage looks manageable: a win or draw against South Africa on June 24 will be enough. South Africa will be without midfielder Teboho Mokoena (second yellow card) and Themba Zwane (sent off vs Mexico, three-match ban), significantly weakening their midfield. Korea currently sit second in Group A on 3 points, with Czechia and South Africa on 1 point each.

Hong Myung-bo: 'Players executed their plans well overall' despite Mexico defeat

· general

Coach Hong Myung-bo said his squad should not hang their heads after the 1-0 loss to Mexico and noted a communication error between Kim Seung-gyu and Lee Gi-hyuk led to the decisive goal. He urged focus on the final group match, cautioning: 'We have to be well organised against them. They have good speed.' He said Korea will still advance with a win or draw against South Africa.

Son Heung-min goalless in two straight group matches; revival seen as urgent before South Africa

· general

Son Heung-min was substituted at 57 minutes vs Mexico with zero shots and 21 touches (lowest among starters). He also went scoreless vs Czechia despite six attempts. Korean analysts called for a 4-2-3-1 to ease pressure on him. A goal vs South Africa would make him Korea's all-time leading World Cup scorer (4 goals), surpassing Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan.

Lee Kang-in and Lee Han-beom attract transfer interest after World Cup performances

· general

Lee Kang-in ranked first in pass completion rate among all players in the tournament's first 12 matches (85.9 overall score, per Gradient Sports) and attracted reported interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Defender Lee Han-beom (24, Midtjylland, 190cm) drew attention from Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Chelsea following his World Cup debut against Czechia.

Mexico 1-0 South Korea: Kim Seung-gyu error gifts Luis Romo the winner in Group A

· matches

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 at Estadio Akron. Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute after Kim Seung-gyu collided with Lee Gi-hyuk and spilled the ball. Rangel made a crucial double save in the 87th minute, denying Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun. Mexico advance as Group A winners with 6 points; South Korea second with 3 points, facing South Africa on 24 June.

KFA condemns mocking of Son Heung-min over military service; squad imposes media blackout

· general

The KFA issued a statement on June 16 condemning footage from the June 7 training session showing unidentified journalists mocking Son Heung-min over his military service exemption. A media officer resigned; players refused media contact outside official commitments and scheduled interviews were cancelled. The KFA called for mutual respect and protection of the players.

Kim Tae-hyeon and Bae Jun-ho both return to full training ahead of Mexico match

· injuries

Both injured players returned to full training at Chivas Verde Valle on June 15. Kim Tae-hyeon (ankle sprain from June 10) recovered faster than feared after team doctor Song Jun-seob confirmed the initial MRI was inconclusive and the injury was an average sprain. Bae Jun-ho (ankle since May 30) also rejoined but was still having some trouble with quick turns.

Kim Tae-hyeon ankle injury less severe than feared; cleared to play against Mexico

· injuries

Team doctor Song Jun-seob confirmed Kim Tae-hyeon's ankle injury was an average sprain rather than the ligament tear initially suggested by MRI. The initial scan was not clear enough to determine the exact degree of injury. Kim was expected to be available for Korea's second Group A match against Mexico on June 18, a significantly faster recovery than the group-stage absence first announced.

South Korea beat Czechia 2-1 in World Cup opener with Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu goals

· matches

South Korea came from behind to win 2-1 against Czechia in their Group A opener. Hwang In-beom equalised in the 67th minute cutting inside from Lee Kang-in's pass, then crossed for substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to score the winner in the 80th. Korea dominated with 62% possession. It was their first opening-round World Cup win since 2010.

Oh Hyeon-gyu scores World Cup winning goal despite battling 38C fever

· general

Oh Hyeon-gyu revealed post-match he had been running a 38-degree Celsius fever before kick-off against Czechia, saying he wondered whether he could even play. Despite this, he came off the bench to score the decisive 80th-minute winner. He became the eighth South Korean player to score on a World Cup debut, and the fifth to do so as a substitute.

Lee Ki-hyuk surprise starter as South Korea field 3-4-2-1 against Czechia

· general

Hong Myung-bo started a 3-4-2-1 against Czechia: Kim Seung-gyu; Lee Ki-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom; Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Tae-seok; Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung; Son Heung-min. One-capped Lee Ki-hyuk was described as 'the Cinderella of the squad' by Korean media. Bae Jun-ho was on the bench but did not feature.

Kim Tae-hyeon ruled out of group stage with ankle injury sustained in training

· injuries

Defender Kim Tae-hyeon (Kashima Antlers, 25) sustained an ankle injury during a rondo drill at Korea's Guadalajara training session on June 10, and a KFA official confirmed he could not feature in the group stage. Korea will not call up a replacement, with Lee Gi-hyuk and Cho Wi-je available as centre-back cover. The squad hopes to recover Kim for the knockout phase.

Bae Jun-ho doubtful for Czechia opener after missing a third day of team training

· injuries

Reuters and Korean media report Bae Jun-ho is unlikely to feature in Korea's June 12 opener against Czechia. The Stoke City midfielder hurt his ankle in the May 31 Trinidad and Tobago friendly, missed the June 4 El Salvador match, and has trained alone since reaching Guadalajara, sitting out full team training on June 6, 8 and 9. The injury is described as not serious.

Korea hold closed-door Guadalajara session two days out, focusing on set pieces

· general

With the Czechia opener two days away, Hong Myung-bo ran a closed 90-minute session at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan on June 10, working on set pieces plus attacking and defending tactics. The KFA barred media and made no players available, and the ground was heavily guarded by armed military and police as the team shut out distractions before the tournament.

Lee Tae-seok back to full training; Bae Jun-ho remains Korea's only sidelined player

· injuries

At Korea's June 9 Guadalajara training, right-back Lee Tae-seok returned to full team work after recovering from left calf pain, exchanging quick one-twos with Lee Kang-in. That left Bae Jun-ho (ankle) as the squad's only sidelined player, with Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae reported in good condition three days before the Czechia opener.

Korea begin full Czech-focused program in second Guadalajara session

· general

Korea Republic opened their full preparation program for the Czechia match in a second Guadalajara session at Chivas Valle Verde, with only the first 15 minutes open to media before training moved to mornings to avoid afternoon showers. Bae Jun-ho (ankle) and Lee Tae-seok (left calf) trained separately on conditioning while the rest of the squad ran passing drills.

Hong Myung-bo turns to fine-tuning tactics, wary of Czechia's set pieces and aerial threat

· general

With the World Cup opener against Czechia on June 12 at Estadio Guadalajara, Hong Myung-bo said the priority is to polish strategies after analysing the two friendlies, not overhaul them. He flagged Czechia's set pieces, crosses and height as hard-to-handle concerns, and noted afternoon-rain forecasts may push Guadalajara training to mornings, with more intense sessions from June 7.

Korea open Guadalajara camp with first public training before about 800 fans

· general

A day after reaching their base, Korea Republic held their first open, FIFA-organised community training at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan on June 6 before about 800 local fans, with captain Son Heung-min the main draw. Twenty-four of the 26-man squad trained fully alongside two training partners; Bae Jun-ho (ankle) did tactical work only and Lee Tae-seok trained separately with left calf pain.

Korea reach Guadalajara base camp, welcomed by more than 500 fans

· general

Korea Republic moved from the Salt Lake City altitude camp to their World Cup base, arriving at The Westin Guadalajara in Zapopan around 4 p.m. local time on June 5 to a welcome from more than 500 fans. They will train at Chivas Valle Verde, about 20 minutes from Akron Stadium, where they open against Czechia on June 12. Coach Hong Myung-bo urged his players to enjoy the World Cup, not fear it.

Lee Dong-gyeong free-kick beats El Salvador 1-0 in Korea's final World Cup tune-up

· matches

At BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, Korea Republic beat El Salvador 1-0 in their final pre-tournament friendly. Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan HD) scored direct from a 57th-minute free-kick; Son Heung-min came on around the 62nd. ESPN Deportes noted decoy shirt numbers (Son 13 not 7, Kim Min-jae 2, Lee Jae-sung 8) echoing a 2018 ploy. Korea's second straight U.S.-camp win before heading to Guadalajara.

Cho Yu-min ruled out of World Cup with plantar fascia tear; replaced by Cho Wi-je

· injuries

Cho Yu-min suffered a partial plantar fascia tear (right foot, non-contact, second half vs Trinidad and Tobago on 31 May) and was released from the squad with an eight-week prognosis. Jeonbuk centre-back Cho Wi-je (uncapped) was called up as replacement. Bae Jun-ho twisted his right ankle in the same match but avoided major injury and remained in the squad.

Son and Cho score braces as Korea rout Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in World Cup tune-up

· matches

In their first pre-World Cup friendly at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, Korea Republic beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0. Son Heung-min struck twice (40th minute open play, 43rd from the penalty spot), Cho Gue-sung added a second-half brace (66' header, 77'), and Hwang Hee-chan converted a 74th-minute penalty. Son's double took him to 56 international goals, two short of Cha Bum-kun's national record.

Cho Gue-sung on Salt Lake City altitude: "My mouth is extremely dry, but I will adapt quickly"

· general

After his brace against Trinidad and Tobago, Cho Gue-sung described the challenge of playing at Salt Lake City's roughly 1,460-metre elevation, saying the ball moved faster than usual and his mouth felt extremely dry, but pledging to adapt quickly. The high-altitude camp is intended to ready the squad for Guadalajara, where their first group matches at Akron Stadium sit at about 1,571 metres.

Lee Kang-in to join camp last after Champions League final, leaving little altitude-adaptation time

· squad

PSG's Lee Kang-in is set to be the final squad member to reach the Salt Lake City camp, travelling over after the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal and expected on 1 June (Korean time). Korean media flagged that with the El Salvador friendly on 4 June, he will have limited time to adapt to the high-altitude conditions before the World Cup.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Kim Seung-gyuGKFC Tokyo
Jo Hyeon-wooGKUlsan HD
Song Bum-keunGKJeonbuk Hyundai Motors
Kim Min-jaeDFBayern Munich
Kim Moon-hwanDFDaejeon Hana Citizen
Seol Young-wooDFRed Star Belgrade
Cho Yu-minDFSharjah
Lee Tae-seokDFAustria Wien
Park Jin-seobDFZhejiang FC
Kim Tae-hyeonDFKashima Antlers
Lee Han-beomDFMidtjylland
Jens CastropDFBorussia Mönchengladbach
Lee Ki-hyukDFGangwon FC
Lee Jae-sungMFMainz 05
Hwang Hee-chanMFWolverhampton Wanderers
Hwang In-beomMFFeyenoord
Lee Kang-inMFParis Saint-Germain
Paik Seung-hoMFBirmingham City
Kim Jin-gyuMFJeonbuk Hyundai Motors
Lee Dong-gyeongMFUlsan HD
Bae Jun-hoMFStoke City
Eom Ji-sungMFSwansea City
Yang Hyun-junMFCeltic
Son Heung-minFWLos Angeles FC
Cho Gue-sungFWMidtjylland
Oh Hyeon-gyuFWBeşiktaş

Recent results

  • 2023-11-16 — KOR 5-0 SGP (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — CHN 0-3 KOR (qualification)
  • 2024-01-06 — IRQ 0-1 KOR (friendly)
  • 2024-03-21 — KOR 1-1 THA (qualification)
  • 2024-03-26 — THA 0-3 KOR (qualification)
  • 2024-06-06 — SGP 0-7 KOR (qualification)
  • 2024-06-11 — KOR 1-0 CHN (qualification)
  • 2024-09-05 — KOR 0-0 PLE (qualification)
  • 2024-09-10 — OMA 1-3 KOR (qualification)
  • 2024-10-10 — JOR 0-2 KOR (qualification)
  • 2024-10-15 — KOR 3-2 IRQ (qualification)
  • 2024-11-14 — KUW 1-3 KOR (qualification)
  • 2024-11-19 — PLE 1-1 KOR (qualification)
  • 2025-03-20 — KOR 1-1 OMA (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — KOR 1-1 JOR (qualification)
  • 2025-06-05 — IRQ 0-2 KOR (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — KOR 4-0 KUW (qualification)
  • 2025-09-06 — USA 0-2 KOR (friendly)
  • 2025-09-09 — MEX 2-2 KOR (friendly)
  • 2025-10-10 — KOR 0-5 BRA (friendly)
  • 2025-10-14 — KOR 2-0 PAR (friendly)
  • 2025-11-14 — KOR 2-0 BOL (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — KOR 1-0 GHA (friendly)
  • 2026-03-28 — CIV 4-0 KOR (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — AUT 1-0 KOR (friendly)
  • 2026-06-12 — KOR 2-1 CZE (group)
  • 2026-06-18 — MEX 1-0 KOR (group)
  • 2026-06-24 — RSA 1-0 KOR (group)

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