South Korea compete in Group One of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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AFC Asian Cup winners twice (1956 and 1960)
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Best World Cup finish: Semi-finals at the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan
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FIFA ranking: 25
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Last World Cup appearance: 2022 (eliminated in Round of 16)
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Nickname: Taeguk Warriors
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Top clubs: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Ulsan Hyundai, FC Seoul
Qualification: With a 2–0 win over Iraq on 5 June 2025, South Korea secured their place at the 2026 World Cup — their eleventh consecutive World Cup finals appearance.
Coach: Hong Myung-bo captained the South Korean side that finished fourth at the 2002 World Cup, eliminating Italy and Spain. He will take charge of the national team at a World Cup for the second time, having managed them in Brazil in 2014, where South Korea were eliminated in the group stage, prompting his immediate resignation.
Star player: One of the standout names in MLS since joining Los Angeles FC in 2025, Son Heung-min previously shone for a decade at Tottenham. The 33-year-old has scored 54 goals for the national team, including three World Cup goals, and is heading into what may well be his fourth and final World Cup. In attack, he will be supported by PSG's Lee Kang-in.
Ambitions: After reaching the Round of 16 in 2022, South Korea will once again aim to advance from a group containing South Africa, the Czech Republic, and Mexico.