Korea Republic
FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Profile
Hong Myung-bo
Head Coach
4-2-3-1
Formation
0
Titles
11
Appearances
Overview
South Korea continue to be one of Asia's most competitive national teams, with the 2002 semi-final run still the high-water mark of their World Cup history. Son Heung-min remains the face of the squad as the team returns to North America for the first time since 2002.
Road to World Cup 2026
South Korea advanced through the AFC qualification rounds with a strong performance in the third phase, finishing comfortably in the top two of their group behind regional rivals.
Qualification: AFC qualification
Key Players to Watch
- Son Heung-min
- Lee Kang-in
- Hwang Hee-chan
- Kim Min-jae
Strengths
Work rate, tactical discipline, and an attack that can hurt teams on the counter. Kim Min-jae anchors a defence that has improved significantly in recent years.
Weaknesses
Squad depth remains a concern, and a number of key players are entering the back end of their careers. The team can be vulnerable against technically superior possession sides.
World Cup 2026 Chances
South Korea's realistic target is a round-of-16 berth. Anything beyond that would require a favourable draw and a standout performance from Son Heung-min.
Historical World Cup Performance
Eleven World Cup appearances, including the famous 2002 run to the semi-finals on home soil. The 2022 round-of-16 exit to Brazil was a respectable return.
Best result: Fourth place (2002)
Last World Cup: Round of 16 (2022)
Match Schedule
Korea Republic vs Czechia
Mexico vs Korea Republic
South Africa vs Korea Republic