South Korea World Cup 2026 Odds: Squad Review, Bet Builder Scout Report

How far can South Korea progress at the 2026 World Cup?

South Korea have qualified for 11 World Cups in succession and made it through to the last 16 in Qatar four years ago, but progress looks tougher this time due to limited squad depth. Son Heung-Min, Lee Kang-In and Kim Min-Jae provide quality, but options beyond that trio, particularly in defence, are worryingly thin. Qualification was not convincing, with Hong Myung-Bo's side drawing four of ten matches, against Palestine twice, Oman and Jordan. Recent defeats, most notably 4-0 to Ivory Coast and 1-0 against Austria, have added to doubts about their prospects in North America. Their opener against the Czech Republic looks pivotal and failure to win would leave them under pressure before facing co-hosts Mexico. Third place in Group A may be their best hope, but even that may not be enough.

Our prediction: Stage of elimination - Group - 8/5

*all odds correct at time of publishing

South Korea World Cup odds

• Outright Winner - 400/1

• To Reach Final - 100/1

• To Reach Semi-Final - 33/1

• To Reach Quarter-Final - 9/1

• To Reach Last 16 - 11/4

• Group A Winner - 13/4

• Group A Qualify - 4/9

South Korea's group stage fixtures:

• 12 JUN - 03:00 - South Korea vs Czechia

• 19 JUN - 02:00 - Mexico vs South Korea

• 25 JUN - 02:00 - South Africa vs South Korea

South Korea bet builder scouting report

Player Carded

The versatility of German-born Jens Catrop is particularly useful to South Korea. The feisty Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder is set to start out of position at left-back, where his defensive capabilities are bound to be tested.

Shots

Heung-Min Son may not be the force he once was, but his importance to the Taeguk Warriors cannot be overstated. Son will be his team’s designated penalty and free-kick taker, and he avergaed 3.02 shots per 90 minutes for LAFC in MLS this season.

Shots On Target

Hyeon-Gyu Oh is set to lead the line for South Korea and the former Celtic man is likely to thrive off the service provided by Heung-Min Son and Kang-In Lee. Oh averaged 1.08 shots on target per 90 minutes for Besiktas this season, with just under 50% of his attempts hitting the target.

Assists

Heung-Min Son is still the star man for South Korea but the emergence of Kang-In Lee has lifted some of the creative burden off his shoulders. The PSG midfielder will be given a central role this summer and 11 goal involvements in 15 qualifiers show his creativity.

Fouls Committed

Versatile Jin-Seop Park has not always been a certain starter for South Korea but, with several injury doubts, the defensive midfielder should get the nod. Park is not afraid to get stuck in, committing 1.7 fouls per 90 minutes for Chinese club Zhejiang FC this season.

Predicted South Korea Line-up

Formation - 3-4-3

Full South Korea team

South Korea Team Rating

See all World Cup 2026 fixtures and group tables.

More World Cup 2026 news and predictions from LiveScore

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• World Cup 2026 group D predictions

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• World Cup 2026 group F predictions

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