The Taegeuk Warriors are back for an 11th straight World Cup, and once again it runs through Son Heung-min. The captain, now with LAFC, leads a squad coached by Hong Myung-bo, the central defender from the famous 2002 semi-final side. Around Son sit Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae, Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Lee Kang-in and Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan. South Korea open the tournament on day one against Czechia, then face hosts Mexico, with all three group games staged in Mexico. This is the squad by position, Group A, the fixtures, and the case for a knockout run.
South Korea pair a world-class captain with a defensive anchor and a rising midfield star. These are the names the campaign will turn on.
The talisman. South Korea's captain and greatest modern player, now at LAFC after a trophy-winning spell at Tottenham, arrives at his fourth World Cup. Pace, finishing and leadership: the team is built to get the ball into his feet.
The defensive anchor. The Bayern Munich centre-back is one of Asia's finest ever defenders, quick, strong and commanding. He is the platform that lets South Korea defend a lead against bigger nations.
The creator. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder brings Champions League quality, vision and set-piece delivery. As Son enters the veteran stage, Lee is increasingly the creative heartbeat of the side.
The runner. The Wolves forward offers pace in behind and a direct threat off either flank, the perfect foil for Son and a key outlet on the counter-attack.
The metronome. The Feyenoord midfielder controls tempo and screens the defence, the link between Kim Min-jae behind him and the attackers ahead. His passing range sets South Korea's rhythm.
The all-rounder. The Mainz midfielder brings goals, energy and big-tournament know-how, a reliable presence who does the unseen work that holds the side together.
Here is South Korea's confirmed squad for the 2026 World Cup as named by Hong Myung-bo: three goalkeepers, a deep group of defenders, a strong midfield and three recognised forwards led by captain Son Heung-min. Clubs are shown for each name and can shift across the summer window.
Hong Myung-bo leaned on his European core, with several attacking players, including Son, Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in, capable of operating across the front line, which is why the recognised forward group is compact. German-born defender Jens Castrop, who qualifies through his Korean mother, was among the notable inclusions. Club listings can change over the summer transfer window.
South Korea's campaign carries a few clear narratives, from a captain's fourth World Cup to an opening-day stage.
At 33, Son Heung-min reaches a fourth World Cup and, in all likelihood, his last. After the move to LAFC, the captain wants to go beyond the round of 16 he reached in 2022.
The coach captained the 2002 semi-final side and now leads the country at a World Cup for the second time. His task is to balance experience with the next generation.
South Korea are in action on the tournament's opening day, facing Czechia in Guadalajara hours after the Mexico opener. A fast start would set the tone for the group.
South Korea were drawn into Group A with co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and Czechia. Mexico are the seeded side and group favourites, which leaves South Korea, Czechia and an improving South Africa fighting for the qualifying places. All three of South Korea's group games are staged in Mexico, in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
South Korea open against Czechia in Guadalajara on the opening day, 11 June. For the full picture of all 104 games, see the WorldCuply.com match schedule, read our Mexico guide on their Group A hosts, and explore the 12 Pot 1 nations.
South Korea are not contenders to win the tournament, but the expanded format and their European-based spine make a knockout run a clear and realistic goal:
For Son Heung-min, this is the chance to leave a lasting World Cup mark. South Korea will fancy their chances of reaching the round of 32 and, with a kind draw, going a step further.
South Korea are one of 48 nations heading to the 2026 World Cup. Explore the rest of the WorldCuply.com guide:
South Korea's Group A hosts, the Estadio Azteca opener and the full Mexico squad.
Read the Mexico guide ›Asia's other heavyweight, the Samurai Blue squad, group and ambitions for 2026.
Read the Japan guide ›The top players going to the 2026 World Cup, the names who can decide knockout ties.
View the top 12 ›All 104 fixtures across 16 host cities, with kickoff times you can filter to your team.
Open the schedule ›This guide was hand-written from the following reporting and reference pages, used to confirm South Korea's squad, coach, group and fixtures:
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