#23
FIFA Ranking
11
WC Appearances
Fourth Place (2002)
Best Finish
2022
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
South Korea secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Asia qualification pathway. As a AFC representative, they were among 8 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #23 in the FIFA World Rankings, South Korea enters the tournament as a competitive qualifier team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 11 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group A Analysis
South Korea has been drawn in Group A and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group A Opponents
Mexico
FIFA Ranking: #15 • Strong opponent
South Africa
FIFA Ranking: #59 • Challenging opponent
UEFA Playoff D
Unranked • Unknown opponent
Group A Fixtures for South Korea
Match 2
Jun 11, 2026
South Korea
vs.
UEFA Playoff D
Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Match 19
Jun 18, 2026
Mexico
vs.
South Korea
Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Match 44
Jun 24, 2026
South Africa
vs.
South Korea
Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete for a top-two finish in the group, with potential to advance as one of the best third-place teams. Reaching the Round of 32 would be a solid achievement.
Best-Case Scenario
Win the group and make a surprise run to the Round of 16 or Quarter-finals. Teams at this level can peak at the right time and overcome ranked favorites.
Key Challenges
Depth of squad and maintaining performance levels across a grueling tournament. Must be tactically disciplined and clinical in front of goal to maximize points.
Can South Korea Win the World Cup?
Winning the World Cup would be a monumental achievement for South Korea, but football has seen remarkable underdog stories. Teams ranked in the 20-40 range typically aim for knockout stage qualification, though deeper runs are possible.
More realistically, South Korea will focus on advancing from their group and competing in the Round of 32 or Round of 16. Success at this tournament would build a foundation for future World Cups and inspire the next generation of players from South Korea.
World Cup History
South Korea has appeared in 11 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a regular competitor on the global stage.
Their best result was Fourth Place (2002), showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
They last competed in the 2022 World Cup. As recent participants, they bring current tournament experience to 2026.
Multiple World Cup appearances have allowed South Korea to build experience and learn from both successes and setbacks on football's biggest stage.
Predict South Korea's Tournament Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does South Korea play at World Cup 2026?▾
South Korea will play their first group stage match on June 11, 2026 against UEFA Playoff D. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group A with South Korea?▾
South Korea has been drawn into Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa and UEFA Playoff D. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is South Korea's best World Cup finish?▾
South Korea's best World Cup finish is Fourth Place (2002). This represents their peak performance at the World Cup and demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
Can South Korea win the World Cup 2026?▾
South Korea can compete with any team on their day and could potentially make a deep run if things align. Ranked #23 in FIFA rankings, they're considered a dark horse — not among the top favorites, but capable of surprising people. World Cup history shows teams at this level can reach semi-finals or finals with strong performances and a bit of luck. An outright win would be a remarkable achievement but isn't impossible.