South Korea has once again proven its dominance in Asian football by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking an impressive 11th consecutive appearance in the global tournament. The Taeguk Warriors sealed their spot with a commanding 2-0 victory over Iraq in Basra on June 5, 2025, ensuring their place in the expanded 48-team competition set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The historic achievement, which underscores South Korea’s consistency on the world stage, was secured through second-half goals from Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu. Kim broke the deadlock just past the hour mark, while Oh sealed the win eight minutes from the end, propelling South Korea to the top of Group B in the AFC third-round qualifiers. This victory not only confirmed South Korea’s qualification but also paved the way for Jordan to secure their first-ever World Cup berth, following their 3-0 win over Oman earlier that day.
Despite the absence of key players, including Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae, who was sidelined due to an Achilles injury, and Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min, who was surprisingly left out of the matchday squad, South Korea showcased their depth and resilience. The team’s performance against a ten-man Iraq side, who struggled after a red card, highlighted their ability to deliver under pressure. This win marks South Korea’s 12th overall World Cup appearance, with only Brazil, Germany, Argentina, and Spain boasting longer active streaks of consecutive qualifications.
South Korea’s journey to the 2026 World Cup has not been without challenges. Recent draws against Oman and Jordan had raised concerns, with captain Son Heung-min publicly criticizing the poor state of pitches in South Korea, which forced two home qualifiers to be relocated from Seoul. Nevertheless, the team’s ability to regroup and secure a crucial away victory in Basra demonstrates their determination and tactical discipline under coach Hong Myung-bo.
The qualification has sparked celebrations across South Korea, with fans and analysts praising the team’s consistency. Posts on X reflected national pride, with one user noting, “A record 11th consecutive appearance from Asia dating back to 1986, and 12th appearance overall.” Another highlighted the team’s grit, stating, “Not their best campaign, but to leave their best player out and still win 2-0 against a ten-man Iraq, they always get the result.”
As South Korea prepares for their North American campaign in 2026, anticipation is building for what could be a defining tournament for stars like Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Hwang Hee-chan. With the expanded format offering new opportunities, the Taeguk Warriors will aim to surpass their previous best World Cup performance—a semi-final finish in 2002 when they co-hosted the tournament with Japan.
This qualification also sets the stage for intriguing pre-tournament matchups, with the U.S. men’s national team scheduling friendlies against South Korea and Japan in September 2025 to build momentum as co-hosts.