The South Korean national football team suffered a shocking 0-1 loss to South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, raising concerns about their chances of advancing to the round of 32.

What went wrong?

The team, led by manager Hong Myung-bo, employed a passive game plan, allowing South Africa to create numerous scoring opportunities with their quick counterattacks.

What are their chances of advancing?

South Korea currently sits in third place in their group and will need to rely on the results of other third-place teams to have a chance at advancing to the round of 32. | Date | Opponent | Result | | --- | --- | --- | | 2025-11-18 | Ghana | 1-0 win |

What's next?

The South Korean team currently has 3 points and is 6 points behind group leader Mexico, with a record of 1 win, 0 draws, and 2 losses.

Recent form?

In their last 5 games, they have recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.

The recent form of the South Korean team is as follows. | League Standing | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 3rd | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |

The South Korean team's loss to South Africa has lowered their chances of advancing to the round of 32. However, they still have a chance, depending on the results of other third-place teams.