World Cup Factfile: South Korea

South Korea have been at every World Cup since 1986, but their fourth-place finish in 2002 now feels like a long time ago. That was the most talented South Korea team in history. For the 2026 cohort, they need to prove that they have a bright future. They won’t be able to rely on 33-year-old Son Heung-min for much longer.

Fixtures (UK time)

Czechia, June 12, 3am
Mexico, June 19, 2am
South Africa, June 25, 2am

How They Qualified

The expansion of the World Cup has doubled the amount of direct Asian qualifiers from four to eight nations, so it would have been disastrous if South Korea had missed out. They went unbeaten in a favourable qualifying group ahead of Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Kuwait and Iraq.

The Manager

Hong Myung-bo returned for a second spell in charge of South Korea in 2024, after an unsuccessful spell in charge in 2014. He played in four World Cups and was captain of the 2002 squad which reached the semi-finals at their host World Cup. As manager, he led Ulsan Hyundai to the K-League title in 2022 and 2023.

The Star

Despite swapping the Premier League for MLS in 2025, Son Heung-min still remains South Korea’s most talented player by quite a distance. He has continued to impress for Los Angeles FC and his experience playing in the summer heat of the US may prove invaluable.

The Familiar Face

Hwang Hee-chan has made 103 Premier League appearances since joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2021. He has struggled for goals, netting just five times in the last two seasons, and was part of the squad which was relegated this season, but a change of scene could be just what he needs this summer.

Did you know?

Despite qualifying for 11 successive World Cups, South Korea have had less success in Asian competition. They haven’t won the Asian Cup since 1960, and have lost their last four appearances in the continental final.

The Prediction

Round of 16

South Korea should have enough about them to qualify for the second round as group runners-up. That would give them a favourable second round tie against the Group B runner-up (Canada, Bosnia, Qatar or Switzerland) but they would likely meet either Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16.

Cover Photo: FIFA World Cup 2014 by Mariya Butd used under license by CC BY 2.0.