South Korea

South Korea — the Taegeuk Warriors — are drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia. This is a group South Korea should expect to navigate, though Mexico at Azteca presents a major obstacle.

South Korea are one of Asia's most consistent World Cup performers, having qualified for every tournament since 1986. The 2026 edition gives Son Heung-min what is almost certainly his final World Cup — and the motivation to deliver a deep run.

Why this group matters: South Korea have realistic ambitions of finishing second in the group and reaching the knockout rounds. Anything less would be considered a disappointment for a squad with genuine European-league quality.

The Czechia opener is a must-win fixture. Mexico on Matchday 2 is the toughest assignment, and the South Africa closer should be a match South Korea control.

South Korea have appeared in 11 FIFA World Cups, making them Asia's most prolific World Cup nation.

• Best finish: Fourth place (2002, as co-hosts with Japan)
• 2002 miracle run: South Korea became the first Asian team to reach the World Cup semifinals, beating Spain and Italy along the way. Guus Hiddink's side captivated the nation and remain the gold standard for Asian football.
• Recent form: Group-stage exits in 2014 and 2018, followed by a famous 2-1 victory over Germany in 2018 (that eliminated the defending champions) and a Round of 16 appearance in 2022 after beating Portugal.
• Consistent qualifiers: South Korea have not missed a World Cup since 1982.

The 2022 Qatar campaign showed South Korea remain capable of punching above their weight, with the late winner against Portugal one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament.

Hong Myung-bo, the legendary 2002 World Cup captain, manages the team he once led on the pitch. His appointment carries enormous emotional weight — he is the most iconic figure in Korean football history.

Hong favors a 4-2-3-1 formation that maximizes Son Heung-min's freedom in the final third while maintaining a disciplined defensive structure. His teams press high, transition quickly, and rely on technical quality in midfield to control games.

The risk is that Hong's tactical approach can be too cautious against weaker opponents, but in a group with Mexico, caution may be warranted. His ability to motivate a squad that blends European-league stars with K-League talent will determine South Korea's ceiling.

South Korean football culture exploded during the 2002 World Cup, when millions of fans gathered in public squares wearing red "Be The Reds" shirts. That tradition endures.

• Red Devils: South Korea's official supporters' group organizes enormous outdoor viewing parties. During the 2022 World Cup, Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul held over 50,000 fans for the Portugal match.
• K-culture crossover: Korean football fandom intersects with the global reach of K-pop and Korean entertainment. Expect South Korea's matches to generate massive social media engagement worldwide.
• Traveling support: The Korean-American community, concentrated in Los Angeles, New York, and other major US cities, will provide strong in-stadium support.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Son Heung-min's farewell World Cup is appointment television. One of the most beloved players in Premier League history playing his final international tournament — combined with South Korea's history of dramatic knockout-round upsets — makes this team must-watch viewing.

South Korea have enough quality to finish second in Group A, behind Mexico. The expanded 48-team format, which sees the top two teams and some third-place finishers advance, works in their favor.

Prediction: Round of 16. South Korea will advance from the group and win a Round of 32 match before meeting a stronger opponent in the Round of 16. A quarterfinal is possible if the bracket is kind, but the squad lacks the depth to sustain a deep run against elite opposition.