Group A · FIFA World Cup 2026
🇰🇷 South Korea at World Cup 2026
South Korea enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, Czechia. Here is everything you need: the full fixture schedule, group opponents and team background.
Group
Group A
Confederation
AFC
World Cups
11
Best result
Fourth place (2002)
Host nation
No
South Korea group-stage fixtures
South Korea plays three group-stage matches in Group A. All times are Eastern Time (ET).
| Match | Date | Time | Fixture | Stage | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Jun 11 | 22:00 ET | 🇰🇷 South Korea vs 🇨🇿 Czechia | Group A | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara |
| 28 | Jun 18 | 21:00 ET | 🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇰🇷 South Korea | Group A | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara |
| 54 | Jun 24 | 21:00 ET | 🇿🇦 South Africa vs 🇰🇷 South Korea | Group A | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
Group A opponents
Click any team to see their full fixture list and group context.
South Korea at the 2026 World Cup
Corea del Sur es la selección asiática con más participaciones mundialistas (11). Su mejor resultado fue el histórico cuarto puesto en el Mundial de 2002 que coorganizó junto a Japón, eliminando a España e Italia en el camino.
In 2026, South Korea faces Mexico, South Africa, Czechia in the group stage. The top two teams in Group A qualify directly to the Round of 32. Even a third-place finish could be enough if South Korea post strong results — the eight best third-place records across all 12 groups also advance.
How does South Korea qualify from Group A?
In the 2026 World Cup group stage, teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and 0 for a loss. The maximum from 3 matches is 9 points.
1st or 2nd in Group A
Automatic Round of 32 spot
3rd in Group A with a strong record
Potential Round of 32 spot (if top-8 third)
4th in Group A
Eliminated after group stage
Tiebreakers within the group follow this order: goal difference → goals scored → head-to-head points → head-to-head goal difference → disciplinary record → FIFA draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which group is South Korea in at the 2026 World Cup?
South Korea is in Group A with Mexico, South Africa, Czechia.
When does South Korea play its first World Cup 2026 match?
South Korea opens the group stage on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 22:00 ET at akron.
How can South Korea qualify for the knockout stage?
The top two teams in Group A advance automatically to the Round of 32. The eight best third-place finishers across all 12 groups also advance, so South Korea can qualify even without finishing first or second — but that depends on results across all groups.
How many World Cups has South Korea appeared in?
South Korea has appeared in 11 FIFA World Cups. Their best result is Fourth place (2002).
What is South Korea's best World Cup result?
South Korea's best result is Fourth place (2002).
Is South Korea a host nation at the 2026 World Cup?
No — South Korea qualified through their continental qualifying campaign.
How many matches does South Korea play in the 2026 World Cup group stage?
South Korea plays exactly three group-stage matches — one against each of their Group A opponents: Mexico, South Africa, Czechia. If they qualify, they play additional knockout-round matches starting with the Round of 32.