Korea Republic

Where to Watch – Streaming Options

Service Type Cost Details
KBS Free ₩0 South Korea's national public broadcaster secured a sub-licensing deal with JTBC to air selected matches free-to-air, including all South Korea national team fixtures. Accessible via standard TV reception and the KBS website.
JTBC Paid ₩5,000–11,000/month (cable) Exclusive rights holder for all 104 matches in South Korea — the first time the World Cup has been on pay-TV in Korea. Broadcast across JTBC, JTBC2, JTBC3 Golf & Sports, and JTBC4. Requires a cable subscription via SK Broadband, KT, or LG U+.
CHZZK (Naver) Paid Est. ₩4,900–6,900/month (or free with ads) Naver's streaming platform CHZZK holds non-exclusive digital rights for the 2026 World Cup. Streams all matches live with Korean commentary, real-time chat, AI highlights and on-demand replays. Expected to be free with ads or bundled with a Naver Plus membership (est. ₩4,900–6,900/month). Available via chzzk.naver.com and the iOS/Android app.
South Korea National Football Team – FIFA Ranking #23 · World Cup 2026
FIFA Ranking
#23[1]
World Cup Appearances
11[2]
Best Result
Semi-finals
2002

Country

  • CapitalSeoul
  • Population~52 million
  • ContinentAsia
  • ConfederationAFC
  • National associationKFA – Korea Football Association

World Cup history

  • Titles: 0
    South Korea has never won the FIFA World Cup
  • Total appearances: 11
    Consecutive qualification since 1986 — the most of any Asian nation.[2]
  • 2002
    Semi-finals (co-host)
    The only Asian team ever to reach the semi-finals, finishing fourth on home soil — the greatest achievement in Asian World Cup history.[2]
  • 2022
    Round of 16
    Eliminated by Brazil in the knockout stage after finishing second in their group
  • 2026
    Group A — Mexico, South Africa, Czechia
    All three group stage matches played in Mexico.[3]

Head coach

Hong Myung-bo
Since 2023[4]

South Korean football legend and 2002 World Cup semi-finalist as a player, now leading the team into a home-continent tournament. Returns to national team management with a wealth of international experience, tasked with matching or surpassing the heroics of 2002 on the biggest stage.[5]

Key players

Forward

Son Heung-min ↗

Captain and all-time leading scorer. One of the most lethal left-footed attackers in world football, with Premier League pedigree built over a decade at the top.

Attacking Midfielder

Lee Kang-in ↗

Technically gifted playmaker who has shone at PSG. The new creative engine of the national team, capable of unlocking any defence.

Centre-back

Kim Min-jae ↗

Commanding defender who has established himself as one of the world's best at Bayern Munich. The cornerstone of South Korea's defensive structure.

Striker

Hwang Hee-chan ↗

Fast, energetic striker and a reliable scorer in European football. Provides relentless pressing and clinical finishing in the final third.

© 2026 South Korea Football Team Profile