Korea Republic
Korea Republic (KOR) have been drawn in Group A for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico, South Africa, Czechia. Head coach Hong Myung-bo leads the squad. Ranked #23 by FIFA, the team have made 11 World Cup appearance(s).
Hong Myung-bo
KRHong Myung-bo (Korean: 홍명보, Hanja: 洪明甫; Korean pronunciation: [hoŋmjʌŋbo]; born 12 February 1969) is a South Korean football manager and former footballer who played as a sweeper. He is currently the manager of the South Korea national team. Hong Myung-bo (Korean: 홍명보, Hanja: 洪明甫; Korean pronunciation: [hoŋmjʌŋbo]; born 12 February 1969) is a South Korean football manager and former footballer who played as a sweeper.
- 2002 FIFA World Cup Fourth Place (as player)
- Led South Korea to 2026 World Cup qualification
- K-League management experience
- +1 more
SQUAD
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GK Al-Shabab goalkeeper, one of South Korea's most experienced keepers with 85 caps. Helped Ulsan Hyundai win the 2012 AFC Champions League and kept six clean sheets to win gold at the 2014 Asian Games. Started for South Korea at the 2022 World Cup. Has played in Japan since 2016.
GK Ulsan HD goalkeeper who rose to fame with a Man of the Match performance in South Korea's historic 2-0 victory over Germany at the 2018 World Cup. After joining Ulsan in 2020, he helped the club win three consecutive K League 1 titles (2022-2024) and was named K League 1 MVP in 2024. Has earned 47 caps for South Korea.
GK Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors goalkeeper, tall and agile with sharp reflexes. Earned his World Cup call-up through impressive K League performances.
DF Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors centre-back. Spent four seasons at Busan IPark in K League 2 before joining K League 1 champions Jeonbuk in 2025, impressing with his steady defensive play. Traveled to Salt Lake City as a training partner and was promoted to the final 26-man squad after Cho Yu-min was ruled out with a foot injury. Uncapped at senior level.
DF FC Midtjylland defender, young and promising with solid defending and precise passing ability.
DF Bayern Munich centre-back and South Korea's defensive rock, nicknamed 'The Monster'. After spells at Jeonbuk, Beijing Guoan, and Fenerbahce, he joined Napoli and was named Serie A Best Defender while winning their first Scudetto in 33 years. Bayern signed him for a record 50 million euros in 2023. Has earned 77 caps with 4 goals.
DF Kashima Antlers defender who has developed through Japan's J-League. Strong defensive awareness and aerial ability.
DF Zhejiang FC defender with extensive experience, consistent performer in the Chinese Super League with excellent coverage.
DF Austria Wien defender, a young talent who has developed rapidly in European football.
DF Borussia Monchengladbach defender of German-Korean heritage who committed his international future to South Korea. Young and highly talented.
DF Gangwon FC versatile left-footed defender who can play centre-back and full-back. Surprise call-up after outstanding K League form.
MF Birmingham City midfielder, a product of Barcelona's academy. After spells at Girona, Darmstadt 98, and Jeonbuk, he joined Birmingham in 2024 and helped earn promotion from League One, named in the PFA Team of the Year. His stunning long-range goal against Brazil at the 2022 World Cup was nominated for Goal of the Tournament. 25 caps, 3 goals.
MF Mainz 05 midfielder, South Korea's most capped midfielder with 103 appearances and 15 goals. Won three league titles and the 2016 AFC Champions League at Jeonbuk, earning K League MVP in 2017. Has recorded 28 goals and 23 assists since joining Mainz in 2021. Reached 100 caps in October 2025.
MF Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors midfielder, a K League stalwart with excellent creative and passing abilities.
MF Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder, one of Asia's most talented playmakers. Scouted by Valencia at age 10, he became the youngest Korean to play in Europe at 17. Won the Golden Ball at the 2019 U-20 World Cup. Signed with PSG on a five-year deal in 2023. 46 caps, 11 goals.
MF Wolverhampton Wanderers forward nicknamed 'Hwangso' (Bull), known for blistering pace and relentless work rate. Rose through Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig before signing permanently with Wolves. Scored the iconic stoppage-time winner against Portugal at the 2022 World Cup that sent South Korea to the round of 16. 77 caps, 16 goals.
MF Feyenoord midfielder and South Korea's midfield engine. Rose from Daejeon Citizen through Vancouver Whitecaps, Rubin Kazan, Olympiacos, and Red Star Belgrade before signing with Feyenoord in 2024. Named EAFF Championship MVP in 2019. Played all four matches at the 2022 World Cup. 71 caps, 6 goals.
MF Celtic midfielder with pace and dribbling flair, proven himself in the Scottish Premiership.
MF Swansea City midfielder with creativity and versatility, making his mark in the EFL Championship.
MF Stoke City midfielder, just 22 years old with refined technique. Regarded as one of South Korea's most exciting young midfield talents.
MF Ulsan HD midfielder, last season's K League MVP with 13 goals and 12 assists. Creative and dynamic playmaker recalled after proving his domestic excellence.
FW LAFC forward and South Korea captain, widely regarded as the greatest Asian footballer of all time. Scored 127 Premier League goals during a legendary decade at Tottenham, becoming the first Asian to win the Golden Boot (2022) and leading Spurs to the 2025 Europa League title. Joined LAFC for a record $26.5 million in August 2025. 142 caps, 54 goals — South Korea's all-time top scorer.
FW FC Midtjylland striker who rose to fame with two headed goals against Ghana at the 2022 World Cup. Powerful aerial threat and South Korea's starting centre-forward.
FW Besiktas forward who joined for 14 million euros in early 2026, becoming the club's first-ever South Korean player. Rose through Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Celtic, and Genk. 26 caps, 6 goals.
GROUP STANDINGS — Group A
GROUP RIVALS — Group A
RELATED NEWS
FAQ
- What group is Korea Republic in at the 2026 World Cup?
- Korea Republic are in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, Czechia.
- Who is the head coach of Korea Republic?
- The head coach of Korea Republic is Hong Myung-bo.
- What is Korea Republic's best World Cup finish?
- Korea Republic's best result is Fourth place, with 11 total appearances.