South Korea
The South Korea National Soccer Team, founded in 1928 and governed by the Korea Football Association, is one of Asia’s most accomplished sides. A two-time AFC Asian Cup champion and a historic FIFA World Cup semifinalist in 2002, South Korea is known for its relentless work ethic, speed, and teamwork. The Team continues to be a symbol of national pride, representing South Korea’s passion and excellence in world football.
Explore the official South Korea National Team squad and get a clear overview of every player selected for the tournament. Discover the key details behind the stars, rising talents, and core squad members who shape the team’s World Cup 2026 campaign.
Heung-Min Son
Attacker
Jul 8, 1992
Woo-Yeong Jeong
Midfielder
Sep 20, 1999
Kang-In Lee
Attacker
Feb 19, 2001
Seung-Gyu Kim
Goalkeeper
Sep 30, 1990
Seung-Hyun Jung
Defender
Apr 3, 1994
Min-Jae Kim
Defender
Nov 15, 1996
In-Beom Hwang
Attacker
Sep 20, 1996
Jae-Sung Lee
Attacker
Aug 10, 1992
Ui-Jo Hwang
Attacker
Aug 28, 1992
Hee-Chan Hwang
Attacker
Jan 26, 1996
Gue-Sung Cho
Attacker
Jan 25, 1998
Tae-Hwan Kim
Defender
Jul 24, 1989
Yong-Woo Park
Midfielder
Sep 10, 1993
Ki-Je Lee
Defender
Jul 9, 1991
Hyeok-Kyu Kwon
Midfielder
Mar 13, 2001
Tae-Youn Park
Midfielder
Apr 5, 1991
Young-Woo Seol
Midfielder
Dec 5, 1998
Min-Gyu Park
Defender
Aug 10, 1995
Ji-Soo Kim
Defender
Dec 24, 2004
Woo-Jin Choi
Defender
Jul 18, 2004
Meet the South Korea National Team coaching staff, who play a vital role in preparing the squad for success on the international stage. Working behind the scenes, they support the team’s tactical development, physical conditioning, match preparation, and overall performance throughout World Cup 2026.
Myung-Bo Hong
Birthday:
Feb 12, 1969
Nationality:
Korea Republic
Explore the latest South Korea matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and stay updated on results, key moments, and standout player performances from every game.
Austria vs South Korea
1 : 0
Mar 31, 2026 • Friendlies
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
South Korea vs Ivory Coast
0 : 4
Mar 28, 2026 • Friendlies
Stadium MK, Milton Keynes
South Korea vs Ghana
1 : 0
Nov 18, 2025 • Friendlies
Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul
South Korea vs Bolivia
2 : 0
Nov 14, 2025 • Friendlies
Daejeon World Cup Stadium, Daejeon
South Korea vs Paraguay
2 : 0
Oct 14, 2025 • Friendlies
Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul
South Korea vs Brazil
0 : 5
Oct 10, 2025 • Friendlies
Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul
Mexico vs South Korea
2 : 2
Sep 10, 2025 • Friendlies
Geodis Park, Nashville
USA vs South Korea
0 : 2
Sep 6, 2025 • Friendlies
Red Bull Arena
South Korea vs Japan
0 : 1
Jul 15, 2025 • EAFF E-1 Football Championship
Yongin Mireu Stadium, Yongin
Hong Kong vs South Korea
0 : 2
Jul 11, 2025 • EAFF E-1 Football Championship
Yongin Mireu Stadium, Yongin
South Korea reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup after another strong campaign across both the second and third rounds of AFC qualifying. They were perfect in the second round, winning all six matches in Group C without conceding a goal. The third round was more demanding, but Korea Republic stayed in control of Group B and officially sealed qualification on June 5, 2025 with a 2-0 away win over Iraq in Basra. That result secured a place at an 11th straight World Cup, underlining South Korea’s consistency on the Asian stage.
Played
Qualification matches played
Won
Matches won
Drawn
Matches drawn
Lost
Matches lost
Goals For
Total goals scored
Goals Against
Total goals conceded
Goal Difference
GF minus GA
Points
3 per win, 1 per draw
Road to WC
Match | Date | MatchUp | Stadium | City | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nov 16, 2023 | South Korea vs Singapore | Seoul World Cup Stadium | Seoul | 5:0 |
2 | Nov 21, 2023 | China vs South Korea | Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre | Shenzhen | 0:3 |
3 | Mar 21, 2024 | South Korea vs Thailand | Seoul World Cup Stadium | Seoul | 1:1 |
4 | Mar 26, 2024 | Thailand vs South Korea | Rajamangala Stadium | Bangkok | 0:3 |
5 | Jun 6, 2024 | Singapore vs South Korea | National Stadium | Kallang | 0:7 |
6 | Jun 11, 2024 | South Korea vs China | Seoul World Cup Stadium | Seoul | 1:0 |
7 | Sep 5, 2024 | South Korea vs Palestine | Seoul World Cup Stadium | Seoul | 0:0 |
8 | Sep 10, 2024 | Oman vs South Korea | Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex | Muscat | 1:3 |
9 | Oct 10, 2024 | Jordan vs South Korea | Amman International Stadium | Amman | 0:2 |
10 | Oct 15, 2024 | South Korea vs Iraq | Seoul World Cup Stadium | Seoul | 3:2 |
11 | Nov 14, 2024 | Kuwait vs South Korea | Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium | Kuwait | 1:3 |
12 | Nov 19, 2024 | Palestine vs South Korea | Amman International Stadium | Amman | 1:1 |
13 | Mar 20, 2025 | South Korea vs Oman | Goyang Stadium | Goyang | 1:1 |
14 | Mar 25, 2025 | South Korea vs Jordan | Suwon World Cup Stadium | Suwon | 1:1 |
15 | Jun 5, 2025 | Iraq vs South Korea | Basra International Stadium | Basra | 0:2 |
16 | Jun 10, 2025 | South Korea vs Kuwait | Seoul World Cup Stadium | Seoul | 4:0 |
South Korea owns one of Asia’s most significant World Cup histories, built on consistency, discipline, and landmark performances. The Taegeuk Warriors made their debut in 1954 and have become one of the tournament’s most regular Asian participants. Their greatest World Cup chapter came in 2002, when they co-hosted the competition and produced a historic run to the semi-finals, still the best result ever achieved by an Asian men’s team at the World Cup. That unforgettable campaign included famous wins over Italy and Spain, with players such as Ahn Jung-hwan, Park Ji-sung, and Hong Myung-bo becoming national icons.
South Korea has continued to create memorable moments in the modern era, including the stunning 2–0 win over Germany in 2018 and the dramatic 2–1 victory over Portugal in 2022, which sent them into the Round of 16. With legendary figures from Cha Bum-kun to Son Heung-min, South Korea’s World Cup story remains one of Asia’s most compelling.
South Korea have appeared at the FIFA World Cup 11 times, with 2026 set to be their 12th participation. The Taegeuk Warriors made their debut in 1954 and have become one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup teams.
South Korea’s best World Cup finish came in 2002, when they reached the semi-finals and finished fourth. That remains the best result ever achieved by an Asian men’s team at the World Cup.
Park Jisung, Ahn Junghwan, and Son Heungmin share South Korea’s World Cup scoring record with 3 goals each. Their goals came across different eras, reflecting the team’s long tournament history.
Hong Myungbo holds South Korea’s record for most World Cup matches played, with 16 appearances. He was also one of the central figures in the nation’s historic 2002 run.
In 2002, South Korea became the first Asian men’s team to reach a World Cup semi-final, defeating Italy and Spain during a landmark home tournament. Another major modern milestone came in 2022, when they beat Portugal 2–1 to reach the Round of 16 again.
Son Heung-min
Korea’s greatest modern player and global superstar. His pace and skills make him the focal point of the national team. As captain, he provides leadership, experience, and match-winning moments. Instrumental in both 2022 performance and 2026 qualification.
Hwang In-beom
A modern midfield controller who balances discipline with creativity, Hwang helps Korea manage tempo and connect defense to attack. His composure under pressure, ball recovery, and progressive passing make him a key engine in Korea’s build toward 2026.
Kim Min-jae
Among the strongest defenders in world football. His strength, aerial dominance, and reading of the game anchor Korea’s back line. A key presence during 2026 qualification and a stabilizing leader in defense.
Lee Kang-in
One of the brightest young talents in Asia. His vision, technical precision, and set-piece quality make him the team’s main creative force. A central figure for Korea’s attacking strategies heading into 2026.
Cho Gue-sung
Rose to international fame during the 2022 World Cup with his memorable brace against Ghana. Strong in the air and decisive in the box, he continues to be a key source of goals during the 2026 qualifying run.
Hwang Hee-chan
Known for his direct style, pace, and aggressive attacking runs. His versatility across the front line gives Korea flexibility in transition. Delivered crucial goals in recent qualification cycles and remains a reliable attacking threat.
Cha Bum-kun
Korea’s original global icon and a trailblazer in Europe, Cha set the standard for Korean stars abroad with reliable goalscoring and relentless drive. He remains one of the most influential Asian footballers ever and a cornerstone of Korea’s football identity.
Ahn Jung-hwan
A national hero remembered for decisive World Cup moments, Ahn is known for iconic goals and a big-match personality. His impact has made him one of Korea’s most unforgettable attacking figures.
Park Ji-sung
One of Asia’s most successful footballers, known for his stamina, pressing, and tactical discipline. A Champions League winner with Manchester United, he inspired an entire generation and played a key role in Korea’s golden run to the 2002 World Cup semifinals.
Hong Myung-bo
A legendary captain and defensive organizer, Hong was the calm, intelligent leader of Korea’s strongest tournament eras. His authority at the back and ability to read the game defined Korea’s identity on the big stage.
Follow South Korea at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and discover where the team will play throughout the tournament. Explore the full match schedule, host cities, and stadiums set to stage some of the competition’s biggest moments. From group-stage fixtures to possible knockout-round drama, find everything you need to experience the action live at football’s biggest event.
South Korea has played at the FIFA World Cup 11 times before 2026.
South Korea has never reached a FIFA World Cup final.
South Korea has reached the knockout stage 3 times — 2002, 2010, and 2022.
South Korea’s best finish is 4th place (2002), when they reached the semi-finals on home soil.
South Korea’s worst outcomes have been group-stage exits, including their 1954 debut where they went out in the first round.
South Korea’s most famous rivalry is with Japan, one of Asia’s longest-running international football rivalries.
South Korea qualified through AFC qualifying, securing their place with a 2–0 win over Iraq on 5 June 2025 that guaranteed a top-two finish in their group.
South Korea are in Group A and their group-stage matches are scheduled in Guadalajara and Monterrey. They play Czechia in Guadalajara on June 11, 2026, then face Mexico in Guadalajara on June 18, 2026, and finish against South Africa in Monterrey on June 24, 2026.
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