South Korea
Coach: Hong Myung-Bo
Starting XI Prediction
Star Players
All Players →
Fixtures
Group A
Group A
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Mexico | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 9 |
| 2 |  South Africa | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| 3 | South Korea | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 |  Czechia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
Full Squad Players List
| # | Player | Pos | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||
| 1 | Kim Seung-GyuXI FC Tokyo | GK | |
| 12 | Song Bum-Keun Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC | GK | |
| 21 | Jo Hyun-Woo Ulsan HD | GK | |
| Defenders | |||
| 2 | Lee Han-BeomXI FC Midtjylland | DEF | |
| 4 | Kim Min-JaeXI FC Bayern München | DEF | |
| 5 | Kim Tae-Hyun Kashima Antlers | DEF | |
| 13 | Lee Tae-Seok FK Austria Wien | DEF | |
| 14 | Cho Wi-Je Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC | DEF | |
| 15 | Kim Moon-HwanXI Daejeon Hana Citizen FC | DEF | |
| 16 | Park Jin-Seop Zhejiang FC | DEF | |
| 22 | Seol Young-Woo FK Crvena Zvezda | DEF | |
| 23 | Jens Castrop Borussia Mönchengladbach | DEF | |
| Midfielders | |||
| 3 | Lee Ki-HyeokXI Gangwon FC | MID | |
| 6 | Hwang In-BeomXI Feyenoord Rotterdam | MID | |
| 8 | Paik Seung-Ho Birmingham City FC | MID | |
| 10 | Lee Jae-Sung 1. FSV Mainz 05 | MID | |
| 11 | Hwang Hee-ChanXI Wolverhampton Wanderers FC | MID | |
| 17 | Bae Jun-Ho Stoke City FC | MID | |
| 19 | Lee Kang-InXI Paris Saint-Germain | MID | |
| 20 | Yang Hyun-JunXI Celtic FC | MID | |
| 24 | Kim Jin-KyuXI Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC | MID | |
| 25 | Um Ji-Sung Swansea City AFC | MID | |
| 26 | Lee Dong-Gyeong Ulsan HD | MID | |
| Forwards | |||
| 7 | Son Heung-MinXI LAFC | FWD | |
| 9 | Cho Kyu-Sung FC Midtjylland | FWD | |
| 18 | Oh Hyun-Kyu Be ş ikta ş JK | FWD | |
World Cup History
—
Titles
11
Appearances
36
WC Goals
11
Wins
Best finish: 4th place (2002)
Top scorer: Ahn Jung-hwan & Hwang Hee-chan (3 goals)
Most capped: Lee Woon-jae (15 matches)
Record: 11W – 7D – 26L
South Korea's 2002 co-hosting campaign is the greatest overachievement in World Cup history — they beat Spain and Italy en route to an improbable semi-final, reaching a standard no Asian nation has matched before or since. The Taeguk Warriors have participated in 11 consecutive World Cups, making them Asia's most consistent qualifiers.
Tournament Eras
The Qualifier Era — Always There, Never Through
1954–1998South Korea made their World Cup debut in 1954 — losing 9-0 to Hungary and 7-0 to Turkey — and qualified steadily thereafter. They became the first Asian team to reach the Round of 16 in 1986, but prior to 2002 had never won a World Cup match.
The 2002 Miracle — Semi-Finalists on Home Soil
2002Co-hosting with Japan, South Korea produced the most stunning World Cup run by an Asian nation. Under coach Guus Hiddink they beat Poland, drew with USA, then in the knockout rounds eliminated Portugal, Spain (on penalties), and Italy (golden goal) — all amid enormous controversy over refereeing decisions. They lost to Germany in the semi-final and Turkey in third-place, but the achievement remains extraordinary.
The Modern Era — Round of 16 Regulars
2006–2022South Korea have advanced from the group stage in several tournaments, most notably in 2022 when they beat Portugal to qualify — only to be eliminated by Brazil. The 2022 squad featured Son Heung-min and showcased a generation with genuine talent for the knockout rounds.
Iconic Moments
Ahn Jung-hwan's Golden Goal — Italy Eliminated
In extra time, Ahn Jung-hwan headed in the golden goal to eliminate defending semi-finalists Italy 2-1. Ahn played for Italian club Perugia at the time — who immediately cancelled his contract in outrage. The goal announced to the world that 2002 was no ordinary tournament.
Spain Beaten on Penalties — Quarter-Finals
South Korea defeated Spain 0-0 (5-3 on penalties) in a quarter-final full of controversy and drama. Two Spanish goals were disallowed. The entire nation erupted. Red-clad fans in the streets of Seoul created scenes that defined the tournament.
Hwang Hee-chan Beats Portugal — Qatar 2022
In the dying seconds against Portugal, Hwang Hee-chan converted a Son Heung-min assist to send South Korea through to the Round of 16 in dramatic fashion, eliminating Uruguay on goal difference in the process.