The Korea Republic national football team head to the WC 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Taegeuk Warriors have been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa and Czechia. Korea Republic possesses a strong core of European-based players, giving them the potential to perform well and advance from the group stage. However, winning the entire tournament would be a significant. The competition kicks off on 11 June across 16 stadiums in three host nations.
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The Road to WC 2026: How Korea Republic Qualified
Korea Republic qualified for the WC 2026 through the AFC 3rd Round Group B, finishing in 1st with 22 points from their qualifying campaign (6W-4D-0L). Taegeuk Warriors scored 20 goals and conceded 7 during the qualifying phase.
Korea Republic secured qualification for the WC 2026 after an unbeaten run atop Group B in the Asian qualifiers.
This marks Korea Republic's 12th WC appearance. The Korea Football Association has guided the squad through a competitive AFC qualifying campaign.
Korea Republic's qualification for their eleventh consecutive the tournament came through the AFC qualifying rounds, showcasing their trademark blend of technical quality and relentless work ethic. With Son Heung-min leading the attack, Korea Republic remain one of Asia's strongest nations. The qualifying campaign was not without challenges, but the squad's tournament experience provides a solid foundation.
For full details on the qualification standings and results, visit the AFC official website.
"This squad has the quality and determination to represent our country with pride at the tournament."
- Hong Myung-bo
Bet on Korea Republic at the WC 2026
Korea Republic's Outright Odds to Win WC 2026
Korea Republic enter the WC 2026 with outright odds of approximately 40/1 to win the tournament. Korea Republic possesses a strong core of European-based players, giving them the potential to perform well and advance from the group stage. However, winning the entire tournament would be a significant achievement.
Outright winner market
Korea Republic to Win WC 2026
40/1
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Best Betting Markets and Predictions for Korea Republic
Explore the full range of Korea Republic betting markets for the tournament, including group winner, top scorer and match result. Use the Napoleon Sports sportsbook to build your own combinations with BetBuilder across all Korea Republic group stage matches.
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Korea Republic at 40/1 reflect their status as a team capable of reaching the knockout stages. Son Heung-min is the obvious selection for individual player markets. The group winner market in Group A is genuinely open between Mexico and Korea Republic. Consider backing them to qualify from the group at shorter odds.
How Far Can Korea Republic Go? Realistic Expectations
Korea Republic possesses a strong core of European-based players, giving them the potential to perform well and advance from the group stage. However, winning the entire tournament would be a significant upset, as they are not considered among the top favorites. Other strong contenders in this tournament include Japan and IR Iran.
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Korea Republic's Squad for WC 2026
Korea Republic's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Myungbo Hong ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goalkeepers
Kim
35 - FC Tokyo
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at FC Tokyo, age 35.
Jo
34 - Ulsan HD
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Ulsan HD, age 34.
Song
28 - Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, age 28.
Defenders
Kim
30 - Daejeon Hana Citizen FC
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Daejeon Hana Citizen FC, age 30.
Castrop
22 - Borussia Mönchengladbach
Emerging defender pushing into the senior set-up, athletic and reading the game well. Currently at Borussia Mönchengladbach, age 22.
Midfielders
Lee
33 - 1. FSV Mainz 05
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at 1. FSV Mainz 05, age 33.
Bae
22 - Stoke City FC
Talented midfielder still rising, with the technical quality to influence games. Currently at Stoke City FC, age 22.
Forwards
Son
33 - LAFC
Experienced forward whose finishing instinct remains the squad's main goal threat. Currently at LAFC, age 33.
Cho
28 - FC Midtjylland
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at FC Midtjylland, age 28.
Oh
25 - Beşiktaş JK
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Beşiktaş JK, age 25.
Last 5 Matches: Korea Republic's Recent Form
| Date | Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2026 | Korea Republic vs. Austria | 0-1 L | Friendlies |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Korea Republic vs. Ivory Coast | 0-4 L | Friendlies |
| Nov 18, 2025 | Korea Republic vs. Ghana | 1-0 W | Friendlies |
| Nov 14, 2025 | Korea Republic vs. Bolivia | 2-0 W | Friendlies |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Korea Republic vs. Paraguay | 2-0 W | Friendlies |
Korea Republic have won 3, drawn 0 and lost 2 of their last 5 matches heading into the tournament.
Korea Republic in Group A: Schedule, Opponents and Stadiums
Korea Republic have been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa and Czechia.
| Match | Date | Stadium | CEST | EEST | BRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korea Republic vs. Czechia | Fri 12 Jun | the Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City | 21:00 | 22:00 | 16:00 |
| Korea Republic vs. Mexico | Thu 19 Jun | Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City | 03:00 | 04:00 | 22:00 |
| Korea Republic vs. South Africa | Mon 23 Jun | Guadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara | 03:00 | 04:00 | 22:00 |
Group A pairs Korea Republic with Mexico, South Africa and Czechia in one of the most open groups. All four teams have realistic chances of advancing. The opening match against Czechia in Mexico City will be played in a hostile atmosphere. The match against Mexico will be crucial for the group winner.
Head-to-Head: Korea Republic vs. Group A Opponents
Korea Republic vs. Mexico: These teams have limited competitive history. The WC 2026 group stage will be a fresh meeting between these two sides.
Korea Republic vs. South Africa: These teams have limited competitive history. The WC 2026 group stage will be a fresh meeting between these two sides.
Korea Republic vs. Czechia: These teams have limited competitive history. The WC 2026 group stage will be a fresh meeting between these two sides.
Korea Republic's Head Coach for WC 2026
Hong Myung-bo (South Korean, born 1969) has been in charge of the Korea Republic national team since July 2024. Experts criticize his lack of tactical responses to opponents' strategies and crisis situations, often leading to collapses after conceding.
Career highlights include: Took Korea Republic to the quarter-finals of the tournament U-20 in 2009, won a bronze medal in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament at London 2012, managed Ulsan HD, winning back-to-back K League 1 championships in 2022 and 2023..
His record as national team coach stands at 12 wins, 5 draws and 4 losses.
Follow Korea Republic's tournament journey and historical records on the K League tournament archive.
Korea Republic's Official Kits for WC 2026
Korea Republic's WC History and Records
Korea Republic have appeared at 12 World Cups, with their first appearance in 1954. Their best finish is Fourth place 2002.
12
WC appearances
Fourth place 2002
Best finish
1954
First appearance
Korea Republic at the 2022 World Cup
Korea Republic advanced to the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022, where their campaign ended with a defeat to Brazil.
For complete historical statistics and squad data, see the Transfermarkt Korea Republic profile page.
Memorable WC Moments for Korea Republic
Reaching the semi-finals in 2002 as co-hosts, the best performance by an Asian team in the tournament history.
Ahn Jung-hwan scored a golden goal against Italy in the 2002 the tournament Round of 16, sending the country into a frenzy.
Read more about other teams at the WC 2026: Germany and Australia.
Korea Republic's greatest achievement came at the 2002 the tournament, co-hosted with Japan, where they reached the semi-finals under Guus Hiddink. Ahn Jung-hwan's golden goal against Italy remains iconic. Since then, Korea Republic have been consistent qualifiers and reached the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2022, confirming their status as one of Asia's footballing powers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Korea Republic at the tournament
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