South Korea have qualified for eleven World Cups in a row. This consistency is the foundation for their 2026 campaign. They secured their spot on June 5, 2025, with a 2–0 win over Iraq in Basra. South Korea are not an emerging team; they are already established in world football. The 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, which runs from June 11 to July 19 with 48 teams, is simply the next chapter in their long history.
Their best result is still from 2002, when they finished fourth at their home World Cup. That achievement remains the benchmark for every campaign since.
The group, the schedule, and the squad
South Korea are in Group A with Mexico, South Africa, and a UEFA Playoff Path D winner, who will be decided in March 2026. All three of South Korea’s group matches will be played in Mexico. They start on June 11 against the UEFA Playoff Path D winner at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, play Mexico at the same stadium on June 18, and finish the group stage on June 24 against South Africa at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe. Matches kick off late in the evening U.S. Eastern Time, which means early morning for fans in Korea.
Estadio Akron opened in 2010, seats approximately 48,000, and serves as the home of Chivas. Estadio BBVA, opened in 2015 with a capacity of around 53,500, is home to CF Monterrey. The group stage is not held in just one city. South Korea will play two matches in the Guadalajara area before moving to Monterrey, which means traveling fans will need to plan for a change in location.jae, and Lee Kang-in.
Son is the captain. His Premier League Golden Boot in 2021–22 marks the high point of a career that has made him the most recognizable South Korean player in the sport’s current cycle. Kim Min-jae plays central defense for Bayern Munich and carries Serie A honors from his period at Napoli. Lee Kang-in is an attacking midfielder at Paris Saint-Germain who won the Golden Ball at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Rosters and form will shift between now and June, but these are the players the team’s stHong Myung-bo is the head coach. He returned to the role in July 2024 after first leading South Korea from 2013 to 2014. Before coming back, he guided Ulsan HD to two straight K League titles. His contract lasts until the 2027 Asian Cup, so his time in charge will go beyond just this World Cup.r than one tournament.
Broadcasting, supporters, and the rivalry
In South Korea, JTBC is the only broadcaster showing the 2026 World Cup, which is a change from previous years when several channels shared coverage. The Korea Football Association’s official accounts are X (@theKFA), Instagram (@thekfa), and YouTube (youtube.com/thekfa, channel KFATV). The KFA also has the PlayKFA app.
The national team is called the Taegeuk Warriors, and their main supporter group is the Red Devils. During the 2022 World Cup, thousands gathered at Gwanghwamun Square to watch matches together, often chanting “Dae-han-min-guk.” These public screenings are a big part of how fans in Korea support the team.
South Korea’s main football rivalry is with Japan. This is one of the most intense matchups in Asian football. Although they won’t meet in the group stage, this rivalry adds extra meaning to qualifiers and regional tournaments.
Pick a broadcast platform and mark the three match dates: June 11, June 18, and June 24. Follow at least one official KFA channel for updates. After that, just enjoy the tournament as it unfolds.
