11
WC Appearances
including 2026
4th Place
Best Result
all-time
None
Titles
yet to win
#19
FIFA Ranking
April 2026 (approx.)
About South Korea
South Korea arrive at World Cup 2026 as Asia's most decorated World Cup nation, having famously reached the semi-finals on home soil in 2002 under Guus Hiddink. Captain Son Heung-min, one of the Premier League's all-time great forwards, is almost certainly playing in his final World Cup at age 34. Placed in Group A alongside hosts Mexico, South Africa, and Czech Republic, the Taeguk Warriors have every reason to believe they can advance from the group stage. Under coach Hong Myung-bo - himself a legend from the class of 2002 - South Korea will mix defensive discipline with pacey counter-attacking football powered by PSG's Lee Kang-in.
Team Base Camp
🇲🇽 Mexico
Base camp
Zapopan, Jalisco
Taeguk Warriors train at the Chivas reserve facility in Verde Valle. The 1,560m altitude matches their Group A opener venue (Estadio Akron, Guadalajara), saving them an adjustment period before kickoff.
Per FIFA regulations (§18.3), South Korea stays at this base camp for the entire group stage and travels to each match venue one day before kickoff (and returns the same night or the next day).
Distance to each group-stage match
Straight-line distance from Zapopan to each match stadium. Actual travel adds airport time on flights.
Key Players
Kim Seung-gyu
Lee Tae-seok
Paik Seung-ho
Yang Hyun-jun
Oh Hyeon-gyu
Head Coach
Hong Myung-bo
2026 Group
Group A
South Korea at the 2026 World Cup
All times shown are local to the stadium
World Cup History
| Year | Stage Reached | |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Round of 16 | |
| 2018 | Group Stage | |
| 2014 | Group Stage | |
| 2010 | Round of 16 | |
| 2006 | Round of 16 | |
| 2002 | 4th Place | 🥉 |
| 1998 | Group Stage | |
| 1994 | Group Stage | |
| 1990 | Group Stage | |
| 1986 | Group Stage | |
| 1954 | Group Stage |
11 appearances total · Includes all World Cups as South Korea
South Korea World Cup 2026 FAQ
What group is South Korea in for the 2026 World Cup?+
South Korea is in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Mexico, South Africa, Czech Republic.
Who is the manager of South Korea at the 2026 World Cup?+
Hong Myung-bo manages South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What is South Korea's FIFA ranking?+
South Korea is ranked #19 in the FIFA World Rankings heading into the 2026 World Cup.
How many World Cups has South Korea played in?+
South Korea has appeared in 11 FIFA World Cups including 2026. Their best result is 4th Place.
When does South Korea play in the 2026 World Cup?+
South Korea's 2026 World Cup group stage matches: June 11 vs Czech Republic; June 18 vs Mexico; June 24 vs South Africa. Knockout matches are determined by group stage results.
Who are South Korea's key players for the 2026 World Cup?+
Key players to watch for South Korea include Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Tae-seok, Paik Seung-ho, Yang Hyun-jun, Oh Hyeon-gyu.
Where is South Korea's base camp for the 2026 World Cup?+
South Korea will be based in Zapopan, Jalisco (Mexico), training at Chivas Verde Valle. Per FIFA regulations, the team stays at this base camp throughout the group stage and travels to match venues one day before each game.