Korea Republic FIFA World Cup Tickets

Korea Republic FIFA World Cup team, commonly known as South Korea, made its first appearance in the FIFA World Cup in 1954 when the tournament was held in Switzerland. This was the beginning of their long journey in international football, though their early years in the competition were challenging.

The pinnacle of South Korea's World Cup history came in 2002, a tournament that they co-hosted with Japan. In an unprecedented and remarkable run, South Korea reached the semifinals, becoming the first and only Asian team to do so. This historic achievement captivated the nation and earned them global recognition. Although they eventually finished in 4th place after losing to Germany in the semifinals and Turkey in the third-place playoff, this performance remains a proud moment in their football history.

Throughout the years, several players have distinguished themselves in World Cup tournaments for South Korea. Hong Myung-bo, the captain of the 2002 team, was a standout player whose leadership and defensive prowess were crucial to their success. He was honored with the Bronze Ball as the third-best player of the tournament. Park Ji-sung, another key figure from the 2002 squad, later became one of Asia's most successful footballers, enjoying a stellar career with Manchester United. In recent years, Son Heung-min has emerged as one of Asia's top football talents. As a star player for Tottenham Hotspur, Son has been instrumental in South Korea's recent World Cup campaigns, continuing the legacy of excellence in South Korean football.

The success of the 2002 team was also attributed to their coach, Guus Hiddink. The Dutchman is celebrated for his tactical brilliance and his ability to inspire the team to reach heights never before seen in Asian football. His leadership during the 2002 World Cup made him one of the most respected figures in South Korean football. When it comes to goal-scoring in the World Cup, Ahn Jung-hwan is a name that stands out. He scored 3 goals during the 2002 World Cup, including a famous golden goal against Italy in the Round of 16 that sent the Italians home and propelled South Korea into the quarterfinals. Son Heung-min, with his 3 World Cup goals scored across multiple tournaments, is also among the top scorers for South Korea, continuing to play a vital role in their World Cup campaigns.

Despite their strong performances, particularly in 2002, South Korea has yet to win a FIFA World Cup. The dream of lifting the trophy remains unfulfilled, but the team continues to strive for greater success on the world stage. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, South Korea advanced from the group stage after a dramatic victory over Portugal. However, their campaign ended in the Round of 16, where they faced a formidable Brazil and were defeated 4-1. This performance, while commendable, left them eager to improve in future tournaments.

Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, South Korea is determined to build on its recent performances. With a strong team led by Son Heung-min, they are expected to be competitive and could potentially make a significant impact in the tournament. The nation continues to support its team with high hopes for another historic World Cup run.