Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about South Korea

Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at South Korea.

What can I expect from South Korea?

Despite going unbeaten in their 16 qualifiers, scoring 40 and conceding just eight, optimism is in short supply amongst Korean fans.

A lack of trust in the tactics of coach Hong Myung-Bo – who captained the Taegeuk Warriors to the 2002 semis - has led to a form of apathy.

Hong, who is regularly booed by fans, has tried to move away from their usual high pressing 4-2-3-1 to experiment with a safety-first, back three/five in recent fixtures. as he believes that a back four isnt enough defenders for a World Cup. Results, though, have been decidedly mixed with the new system proving to be far from watertight.

As for their squad, it's again headlined by Son Heung-min & Lee Kang-in, but only five of 26 players are in one of Europe's top five leagues. The fitness of tempo setting midfielder Hwang In-beom remains a concern.

What are South Korea's strengths?

The standout trio of former Tottenham legend Son Heung-min, PSG's Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae provide what a Korean journalist describes as their 'spear and shield'.

Eleven of the squad have World Cup experience.

And what about their weaknesses?

They remain reliant on a 33 year-old Son who hasn't scored an MLS goal this season. The average age of the squad is over 28.

At their last tournament Lee Kang-in and Son scuffled over a game of ping pong at the Asian Cup.

Heavy recent beatings (0-5 v Brazil, 0-4 v Ivory Coast) further eroded faith in Hong Myung-Bo.

How might South Korea line up?

Which players should I look out for?

Already South Korea's record caps holder, Son Heung-min is just two goals shy of Cha Bum-kun's all-time mark of 58. Without an MLS goal this season, he joked that he been saving them all for what is his fourth - and probably - final World Cup.

Jens Castrop was playing for Germany's U-21 in March 2025, by September he had become the first player with dual heritage to play for South Korea courtesy of his Korean mum. Equally at home at left back or central midfield, Hong praises his "fighter-like, rugged style of play".

Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in is the proud owner of two Champions League winners' medals, although he didn't come on in either final. Four goals this season is a modest return for a man of his talents.

Who is South Korea's head coach?

Legendary defender Hong Myung-Bo is in his second stint in charge having overseen a group-stage exit in Brazil in 2014. He became the first Asian to play in four straight World Cups and claimed the Bronze Ball on home soil in 2002.

How did South Korea qualify?

They were unbeaten with a record of W11, D5 and conceded just eight goals. However, two draws with Palestine were heavily criticised.

Where can I watch South Korea?

All of South Korea's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

In 2020, South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Institute of Sport Science calculated that forward Son Heung-min's effect on the Korean economy was worth nearly £1bn, which at the time was greater than that of boy band and global superstars BTS.

Now give me some proper detail

When South Korea departed for their high-altitude training camp in Utah (they play all three group-stage matches in Mexico, two of which are in the thin air of Guadalajara) there was none of the usual fanfare, nor for the first time since 1986 a farewell send off game.

It felt symbolic of where the national team and their embattled coach sit within the national consciousness.

Hong Myung-Bo guided the Taeguk Warriors to an 11th consecutive World Cup as the only unbeaten Asian side in qualifying, but instead of that fuelling optimism a cloud of negativity has hung over their World Cup preperations.

The coach is a lightning rod for criticism and even his legendary playing career stopped offering him protection from the wrath of fans and media a long-time ago.

A controversial interview by his Portuguese assistant Joao Aroso, since deleted and blamed on poor translation, led to accusations that Hong is merely a 'puppet' and doesn't actually coach the team.

He can ill-afford to not add to their measly tally of just seven wins in 38 World Cup matches - three of which came in 2002 alone – especially as their draw looks so favourable.

Progressing out of Group A that contains Mexico (15th in world rankings), Czech Republic (41) & South Africa (60) is a basic requirement, but few have conviction that he's the man to carry them further.

How have South Korea done at previous World Cups?

South Korea are the only Asian team to reach the semi-finals, as co-hosts in 2002. This is their 11th consecutive World Cup and 12th overall, the most of any Asian nation.