South Korea went from controlling their own destiny to anxiously awaiting the results of three more groups at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After two matches, Hong Myung Bo’s team appeared to be in a strong position. A 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic and a narrow 1-0 defeat to host nation Mexico left South Korea with three points heading into their final Group A match.
A draw against South Africa would have secured second place and a place in the round of 32. Instead, Thapelo Maseko’s goal in the 63rd minute handed South Korea a damaging 1-0 defeat. The Taegeuk Warriors finished third with three points and a goal difference of minus one, forcing them to compete for one of the eight places reserved for the best third-placed teams.
A series of results pushes South Korea down
South Korea initially remained ahead of Scotland, who finished third in Group B. However, results from the other groups quickly weakened their position. Bosnia defeated Qatar to finish Group C with four points. Paraguay also secured four points in Group D, while Ecuador’s shock win over Germany took them to four points in Group E. Sweden then drew with Japan to finish third in Group F with four points.
A brief bit of positive news came as Uruguay finished Group H with just two points after losing to Spain, while Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0. That relief didn’t last long. Senegal beat Iraq 5-0 to finish third in Group I with three points and a goal difference of plus-two. Iran’s 1-1 draw against Egypt also gave them three points and a plus one goal difference.
Both teams overtook South Korea, who are currently guaranteed to be ahead of only Scotland and Uruguay in the third place.
Two favorable outcomes are required
With groups J, K and L still undecided, South Korea needs favorable results in at least two of the three groups to remain among the eight best third-placed teams. In group J, the match between Austria and Algeria must not end in a draw. South Korea would benefit if Austria won or Algeria recorded a victory by at least two goals.
The problem is that a draw might be enough to push both sides forward, without giving either team much reason to take major risks. In Group K, South Korea needs Uzbekistan to avoid defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo. A draw or victory for Uzbekistan could keep the team third in the table below South Korea, although DR Congo still have strong motivations to win.
The last hope comes from Group L, where Ghana faces Croatia. South Korea need Ghana to win, but Croatia only need a draw to reach the knockout stages and have considerable experience in high-pressure World Cup matches. South Korea therefore needs two separate miracles on the final day.
Sources: Znews
