South Korea has gone from controlling its own destiny to waiting anxiously for results from three other groups at the 2026 FIFA World Cup . After two matches, Hong Myung Bo’s team appeared to be in a strong position. A 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic and a narrow 1-0 defeat to host nation Mexico left South Korea with three points before its final Group A fixture.
A draw against South Africa would have secured second place and a spot in the Round of 32. Instead, Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute goal handed South Korea a damaging 1-0 defeat. The Taegeuk Warriors finished third with three points and a goal difference of minus one, forcing them to compete for one of the eight places reserved for the best third-placed teams.
A Series of Results Pushes South Korea Down
South Korea initially remained ahead of Scotland, which finished third in Group B. However, results from other groups quickly weakened its position. Bosnia defeated Qatar to finish Group C with four points. Paraguay also secured four points in Group D, while Ecuador’s shock victory over Germany moved it to four points in Group E. Sweden then drew with Japan to finish third in Group F with four points.
There was briefly positive news when Uruguay ended Group H with only two points after losing to Spain, while Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0. That relief did not last long. Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0 to finish third in Group I with three points and a goal difference of plus two. Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt also gave it three points and a plus-one goal difference.
Both teams moved above South Korea, which is currently guaranteed to rank ahead of only Scotland and Uruguay among the completed third-place finishers.
Two Favorable Results Are Required
With Groups J, K and L still undecided, South Korea needs favorable outcomes in at least two of the three groups to remain among the eight best third-placed teams. In Group J, the match between Austria and Algeria must not end in a draw. South Korea would benefit if Austria wins or Algeria records a victory by at least two goals.
The problem is that a draw could be enough for both sides to progress, giving neither team much reason to take major risks. In Group K, South Korea needs Uzbekistan to avoid defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo. A draw or Uzbekistan victory could keep the third-placed team below South Korea, although DR Congo still has strong motivation to win.
The final hope comes from Group L, where Ghana faces Croatia. South Korea needs Ghana to win, but Croatia requires only a draw to reach the knockout stage and has considerable experience in high-pressure World Cup matches. South Korea therefore needs two separate miracles on the final day.
Sources: Znews
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