The South Korea national football team failed to advance to the Round of 32 after losing 0-1 to South Africa in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup. Coach Hong Myung-bo's team finished with 1 win and 2 losses, placing third in their group.

What happened?

South Korea won their first match 2-1 against the Czech Republic, but then lost 0-1 to Mexico in the second match. They lost their last match 0-1 to South Africa, recording 1 win and 2 losses (3 points).

Why is it important?

South Korea still has a chance to advance to the Round of 32 depending on the performance of the other third-place teams, but they will be eliminated if any of the eight teams surpass them in points or goal difference. The group stage concludes on the 28th, Korean time.

What comes next?

Currently, South Korea is in third place. | Rank | Team | Points | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Mexico | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | | 2 | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | 3 | South Korea | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | | 4 | Czech Republic | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 |

League standing: 3rd, 3 points, 1 win 0 draws 2 losses, recent form LLW. Last result: South Korea 1-0 Ghana (2025-11-18).