South Korea’s national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, reflects on a historic 2-0 victory over Cote d’Ivoire 16 years ago while preparing for upcoming challenges in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Shift in Qualifier Format Boosts Ambitions
The team advanced from a 16-team group in the first round of the 2010 South Africa World Cup qualifiers, securing top spot and direct progression. For the 2026 tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with 48 participating nations, the structure expands significantly. The top two teams from each of the first two groups (A through L, totaling 24 teams) qualify directly, while third-place teams from the upper eight groups enter playoffs.
The tournament now features 32 slots instead of 16, heightening the stakes for Hong Myung-bo’s squad. Sources confirm the primary goal remains advancing from the third-round group of eight teams.
Recent Friendlies Build Momentum
Europe’s third-round lineups have solidified, with Africa regaining strength through teams like Cote d’Ivoire. The Elephants, currently ranked 37th by FIFA—below South Korea’s 22nd—top predictions for their continental group.
In the 2026 World Cup draw, South Korea landed in Group A alongside Mexico, the USA, a European playoff winner from Pot D (including Denmark, Bulgaria? Wait, Bukmakedonia, Ireland, Czech), and another qualifier. Recent international friendlies against Bolivia, Paraguay, and Ghana showcased key players like Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae engaging fans post-match.
Key March Fixtures Against African Powerhouses
South Korea faces Cote d’Ivoire on March 28 at 11 p.m. local time in London’s Ingman Stadium, followed by Australia on April 1 at 3:45 a.m. in Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna. Major football associations announced these fixtures on the 10th, adjusting prior Australia plans.
This matchup revives memories of the 2-0 friendly win over Didier Drogba’s Cote d’Ivoire side 16 years prior, signaling renewed rivalry.
Injury Crisis Poses Greatest Challenge
Despite strong pre-qualifier form, including two consecutive wins in March internationals, injuries represent the biggest hurdle. Hong Myung-bo has lost midfielder Park Yong-woo (Al Ain) to a muscle injury and Won Du-jae (FC Copenhagen) to another long-term issue.
Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) faces at least two weeks out after aggravating an injury, while Baek Sung-ho (Birmingham City) sustained a heavy blow to his left knee from a header during a West Bromwich match on the 11th. He returned after just 15 minutes but requires assessment.
Coaches emphasize filling positional gaps swiftly to maintain competitiveness against powerhouses like Namibia, Australia—a European playoff victor—and others in the revamped African landscape, where top clubs feature stars from Manchester United and AS Roma.
