FIFA World Cup 2026
South Korea at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Overview
South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, Korean‑speaking, with Seoul as its capital, rapid industrialisation since the 1960s and today a global leader in electronics, shipbuilding and popular culture.
South Korea have never lifted the trophy, but their best run is as World Cup fourth-place finishers (2002) across 11 World Cup appearances. At the World Cup, Ahn Jung-hwan, Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min feature prominently in the scoring charts for South Korea with 3 goals each. All-time, Cha Bum-kun leads South Korea's senior men's scoring list with 58 goals.
At World Cup 2026, South Korea line up in Group A as AFC representatives from Asia. Group-stage fixtures against Mexico, South Africa and Czechia open a competitive first-round schedule.
Quick facts
- Capital
- Seoul
- Continent
- Asia
- Federation
- AFC (Asia)
- Group
- A
- FIFA ranking (Nov 2025)
- #22
- World Cup titles
- 0
Geography
- Founded / established
- 1948
- Population
- 51,706,000
- Languages
- Korean (official)
- Currency
- South Korean won (KRW)
- Area
- 100,210 km²
- Highest point
- Hallasan (1,947 m)
- Climate
- Humid continental winters; hot humid summers; monsoon rains
- Land borders
- North Korea
Football facts
- Appearances
- 11
- Best result
- Fourth place (2002)
- Top scorer
- Ahn Jung-hwan, Park Ji-sung, Son Heung-min (3)
- Debut
- 1954
2026 World Cup kits
Home kit
Main color: red
World Cup history
11 World Cup appearances
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Qualified (2026) |
| 2022 | Round of 16 |
| 2018 | Group stage |
| 2014 | Group stage |
| 2010 | Round of 16 |
| 2006 | Round of 16 |
| 2002 | Fourth place |
| 1998 | Group stage |
| 1994 | Group stage |
| 1990 | Group stage |
| 1986 | Group stage |
| 1954 | Group stage |
Frequently asked questions
- Has South Korea ever won the FIFA World Cup?
- No. South Korea have not won the men's World Cup; their best finish is World Cup fourth-place finishers (2002).
- Which group is South Korea in at World Cup 2026?
- South Korea are in Group A. Group opponents include Mexico, South Africa, Czechia.
- What is the capital of South Korea?
- The capital city is Seoul.
- Which FIFA confederation does South Korea belong to?
- South Korea compete under AFC (Asia).
- How many World Cups has South Korea played before 2026?
- South Korea had appeared in 11 FIFA World Cups prior to qualifying for 2026.
- Who is South Korea's all-time leading goal scorer?
- Cha Bum-kun leads South Korea's senior men's national team with 58 goals in FIFA-recognised matches.