South Korea
Key Players
Squad
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
About
South Korea head to the 2026 World Cup as Asia's most consistent footballing force, appearing at their 12th consecutive tournament since 1986. Captain Son Heung-min — now at LAFC after his iconic tenure at Tottenham — will compete in his fourth and likely final World Cup, carrying the hopes of an entire continent. Lee Kang-in of PSG has blossomed into a creative maestro, while Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich is one of the premier center-backs in world football. Hong Myung-bo, a legend of the 2002 semifinal run, brings an emotional connection to the squad. Drawn into Group A with co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and Czech Republic, South Korea face a challenging but navigable path. The opener against Czech Republic in Guadalajara on June 12 is the most winnable match, while the clash with Mexico on June 19 will likely determine who finishes top. South Africa round out the group on June 25 in Monterrey. The squad's European pedigree — with players spread across the Bundesliga, Premier League, Ligue 1, and Eredivisie — gives them a technical edge over most Group A opponents. Expected performance: Round of 32. South Korea have advanced from the group stage in three of their last six World Cups (2002, 2010, 2022) and have the quality to do so again. A quarterfinal is possible if the draw opens up, but repeating the magic of 2002 remains the dream rather than the expectation.
Group Stage Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the coach of South Korea at World Cup 2026?
Hong Myung-bo is the head coach of South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He is a legend of Korean football who captained the team to fourth place at the 2002 World Cup.
What group is South Korea in at World Cup 2026?
South Korea is in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and Czech Republic.
When does South Korea play at World Cup 2026?
South Korea's first match is on June 12 against Czech Republic at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. They then face Mexico on June 19 at the same venue, and South Africa on June 25 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.
How many World Cups has South Korea been to?
The 2026 tournament is South Korea's 12th World Cup, making them the most frequent Asian participant. They have qualified for every World Cup since 1986, and their best result was fourth place in 2002 as co-hosts.
Is Son Heung-min in South Korea's World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes, Son Heung-min was named captain of South Korea's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Now at LAFC, he will be appearing in his fourth consecutive World Cup.