Korea Republic at the FIFA World Cup: Team Profile and History

Korea Republic are set to participate in their 12th FIFA World Cup in 2026, marking their 11th consecutive appearance since 1986. The Asian side, currently coached by Hong Myungbo, will be part of the expanded 48-team tournament. Hong, a former player and assistant coach, returned to lead the national team in July 2024, replacing Jurgen Klinsmann.

World Cup History and Best Performance

Korea Republic's finest World Cup performance came in 2002 when they co-hosted the tournament with Japan and reached the semi-finals. After a 2-0 win over Poland, a 1-1 draw with the USA, and a 1-0 victory over Portugal, they advanced to the knockout stage. In the Round of 16, Ahn Junghwan missed a first-half penalty but scored a golden goal in extra time to secure a 2-1 comeback win over Italy. The team then eliminated Spain on penalties in the quarter-finals before losing 1-0 to Germany in the semi-finals. A 3-2 defeat to Türkiye in the third-place match left them in fourth place, their best ever finish.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Korea Republic advanced from the group stage for the first time in 12 years, reaching the Round of 16 where they lost to Brazil. The team was then coached by Paulo Bento, a former Portuguese midfielder who had faced them during the 2002 tournament.

Qualification for 2026

Despite two head coaching changes after Qatar 2022, Korea Republic qualified comfortably for the 2026 World Cup, remaining unbeaten throughout the Asian qualifiers. In the second round, they were drawn with China PR, Thailand, and Singapore, winning all matches except a 1-1 draw with Thailand. In the final round, they topped Group B—which included Jordan, Iraq, Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait—with six wins and four draws. Korea Republic were the only Asian team to qualify without a single defeat.

Coach Hong Myungbo

Hong Myungbo has a long history with the World Cup, having participated as a player, assistant coach, and now head coach. As a coach, he led Korea Republic to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where the team exited in the group stage. After that, he managed Hangzhou Greentown in China, served as Executive Director of the Korea Football Association, and later took charge of Ulsan HD. At Ulsan, he ended the club's 16-year title drought, winning back-to-back K League 1 championships in 2022 and 2023. Although he fell short in the AFC Champions League, his consistent results secured Ulsan's qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Key Players and Squad

Hong has selected a squad featuring experienced names, including record appearance-maker Son Heungmin, Bayern Munich defender Kim Minjae, and Mainz midfielder Lee Jaesung. Lee Kihyuk, who earned his only cap in 2022, has been recalled after a stellar season with Gangwon.

World Cup Statistics

Korea Republic's overall World Cup record stands at 38 matches played, with 7 wins, 10 draws, and 21 losses, scoring 39 goals and conceding 78. Their first World Cup appearance was in 1954 in Switzerland. They have participated in every tournament since 1986.