South Korea has been drawn into Group A for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, facing Mexico, South Africa and a European playoff winner. At the draw in Washington, the team avoided a top-10 opponent, but coach Hong Myung-bo stressed there are no easy rivals. The tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, runs from June 11 to July 19.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group draw took place on December 5 (local time) at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. South Korea (world No. 22) was drawn from Pot 2 into Group A alongside Mexico (No. 15), South Africa (No. 61) and the winner of the European playoff Path D. Path D features semifinals on March 26 between Czech Republic-Ireland and Denmark-North Macedonia, with the final on March 31. Denmark (No. 21) is the highest-ranked team in that bracket.
Coach Hong Myung-bo said after the draw, "It's a bit of a good thing, but home advantage can play a huge role. Like in our 2002 home World Cup, it can make teams perform better than capable. There is no easy team." South Korea has a 4-3-8 record against Mexico across 15 matches, with Mexico winning 3-1 in 1998 and 2-1 in 2018 World Cup group stages. Their September friendly in Nashville ended 2-2. Hong added, "Mexico is still a great team, but we have more experienced players now. We'll prepare best against their home edge."
South Korea has never faced South Africa at senior level, and last met Denmark in 2009. Hong noted, "South Africa have played well in their last five matches, so we'll watch that. We'll monitor the playoff teams too."
Group A matches start on the opening day, June 11: Mexico-South Africa in Mexico City, South Korea-European winner in Guadalajara. On June 18: South Korea-Mexico in Zapopan, South Africa-European in Atlanta. June 24: South Korea-South Africa in Monterrey, Mexico-European in Mexico City. All South Korea games are in Mexico, with the first two at the same stadium. Hong voiced concerns: "First two at 1,600m altitude, third hot and humid. It takes 10 days to two weeks to adapt. We'll arrive early once the squad assembles."
The expanded 48-team tournament features 12 groups, with top two per group plus eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage. South Korea enters its 11th straight World Cup, having reached semifinals in 2002 and round of 16 in 2010 and 2022.
