Zuid-Korea op het WK 2026

South Korea arrive at 2026 as Asia's highest-ranked side and one of the continent's most consistent World Cup performers. The 2002 semi-final run — still the best by any Asian nation — gave Korean football an identity built on relentless running, tactical discipline and an unshakeable belief in the knockout rounds.

Since 2002, the results have been more modest: three group-stage exits and a Round-of-16 appearance in Qatar 2022, where they beat Portugal 2-1 in the final group game before losing to Brazil. That Portugal upset is the template for 2026 — Korea are capable of producing a single world-class performance to change a group, but sustaining it over four or five matches is the challenge.

Group A pairs them with hosts Mexico, South Africa and Czech Republic. Mexico at home in the Azteca is a formidable opener, but Korea's record against CONCACAF sides is solid. A second-place finish behind Mexico is the realistic target. If they reach the Round of 32 as runners-up, a winnable pairing is possible — but anything past the Round of 16 would exceed expectations.

Hong Myung-bo, the 2002 hero turned head coach, deploys a compact 4-2-3-1 built on high pressing and quick transitions. Son Heung-min operates as the creative hub behind the striker, drifting left to create overloads. Hwang Hee-chan provides pace on the opposite flank. The double pivot of Hwang In-beom and Lee Kang-in controls tempo. Strengths: counter-attacking speed, exceptional fitness levels, tournament mentality from 2002/2022 experience. Weaknesses: lack of a dominant aerial presence, vulnerability to set-piece specialists, and occasional passivity against possession-dominant opponents.