What is South Korea's best World Cup result?

Semi-final in 2002 as co-hosts — one of the greatest tournament runs by any nation in history.

Is Son Heung-min still playing for South Korea at 2026?

Yes — Son at 34 is still captain and the team's primary attacking threat, though this may be his final World Cup.

Who coaches South Korea at 2026?

Hong Myung-bo, a legend of Korean football who was a key player in the 2002 semi-final run.

Can South Korea get out of Group B?

Absolutely — their disciplined structure, Son's quality, and collective spirit make them capable of finishing in the top two.

Who is the rising star for South Korea at 2026?

Lee Kang-in of PSG — the 24-year-old attacking midfielder is stepping into Son's spotlight as the squad's next great player.

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Group Stage · LIVE

🇰🇷

Group AAFC

South Korea

FIFA Ranking #19 · 11 World Cups · Best: Semi-final

South Korea arrive with Son Heung-min in what may be his final World Cup appearance, and the Taeguk Warriors always over-perform their ranking with collective spirit and tactical discipline. With Kim Min-jae anchoring the defence and Lee Kang-in creating, they are more than capable of advancing.

🧑‍💼Coach: Hong Myung-bo

⚽Formation: 4-2-3-1

🗓️Group stage: June 11 – June 24

Group A opponents

Group stage · ends Jul 2

🇲🇽Mexico#17 🇿🇦South Africa#59 🇨🇿Czechia#37

Key Players

4 featured

Son Heung-min

⭐ Star Player

Tottenham Hotspur

Winger / Forward

130

Caps

Goals

Age

South Korea's greatest-ever player and captain — Premier League Golden Boot winner, Champions League finalist, and the face of Asian football globally.

Lee Kang-in

Paris Saint-Germain

Attacking Midfielder

Caps

Goals

Age

PSG's creative No. 10 who tormented defenders at the 2023 Asian Cup; the heir apparent to Son as Korea's talisman.

Kim Min-jae

Bayern Munich

Centre-Back

Caps

Goals

Age

Bayern Munich's imposing centre-back — dominant in the air, commanding in possession, one of Europe's elite defenders.

Hwang Hee-chan

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Striker / Winger

Caps

Goals

Age

Energetic forward who scored the iconic late winner against Portugal to send Korea through at the 2022 World Cup.

Group A Schedule

All times local to venue. Group stage results determine knockout seedings.

Matchday 1June 11, 2026

🇰🇷KOR

🇨🇿

Czechia

FIFA #37

Estadio AKRON

Guadalajara, Mexico

Czechia team guide →Match preview →

Matchday 2June 18, 2026

🇰🇷KOR

🇲🇽

Mexico

FIFA #17

Estadio AKRON

Guadalajara, Mexico

Mexico team guide →Match preview →

Matchday 3June 24, 2026

🇰🇷KOR

🇿🇦

South Africa

FIFA #59

Estadio BBVA

Monterrey, Mexico

South Africa team guide →Match preview →

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World Cup History

🗓️

Appearances

🏆

Titles

📊

#19

FIFA Rank

⭐

Semi-final

Best Result

South Korea co-hosted the 2002 World Cup and went on one of the most extraordinary tournament runs in history — defeating Poland, Portugal, Spain (on penalties), and Italy to reach the semi-finals. Since then they have been consistent qualifiers, with a memorable R16 run in 2022 capped by Hwang's dramatic winner against Portugal.