South Korea KOR

South Korea arrive at the 2026 World Cup as one of Asian football's most reliable qualifiers, the Taegeuk Warriors going unbeaten through their AFC campaign to book a place at an 11th consecutive finals. Ranked 25th in the world, they head to the tournament under manager Hong Myung-bo, who has settled on a 3-4-3 formation as his preferred shape heading into the competition.

Expectations, however, are measured. For all the consistency shown in qualifying, ambitions do not extend far beyond escaping the group stage — a realistic target for a squad that knows its ceiling but is determined to reach it.

The greatest source of optimism is Son Heung-min, a former Premier League golden boot winner and the kind of talisman who can conjure something from nothing on the biggest stage. Around him, a robust core of experienced players gives the side genuine spirit and cohesion, qualities that have served them well throughout the qualification campaign.

The concerns, though, are real. The switch to a 3-4-3 came late in qualifying, leaving questions about how comfortably the system has been absorbed, and there are lingering worries over the form and fitness of key individuals as the tournament approaches. Getting those players right will be central to Hong's preparations.

The squad Hong has at his disposal is deep with recognisable names: Kim Min-jae anchors the defence, Hwang In-beom and Lee Jae-sung provide engine room quality in midfield, while Hwang Hee-chan offers a dynamic threat alongside Son in attack. Lee Ki-hyuk, Song Bum-keun, Cho Wi-je, Kim Moon-hwan, Park Jin-seob, Yang Hyun-jun, and Eom Ji-sung round out a group with the talent to be competitive — provided the pieces fall into place when it matters most.