Basra: Led by trophy-winning stars, South Korea is looking to secure their World Cup berth in their penultimate qualifying match against Iraq. Despite an undefeated record, the Taegeuk Warriors have experienced a string of uninspiring draws against underdog teams in the third round of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, they remain at the top of Group B, just one point shy of securing their place in the tournament.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea, coached by Hong Myung-bo, currently leads Group B with 16 points from four wins and four draws, maintaining a three-point lead over Jordan with two matches remaining. Iraq sits in third place with 12 points. The top two teams from each group at the end of the third round will earn World Cup spots, while the third- and fourth-place teams will move on to the fourth round. South Korea, having participated in every World Cup since 1986, can extend that streak with at least a draw against Iraq.
The upcoming match at Basra International Stadium in southern Iraq will kick off at 9:15 p.m. on Thursday (3:15 a.m. Friday, South Korean time). A win would assure South Korea of at least second place in Group B, regardless of outcomes on the final matchday on June 10. Although a victory would be ideal, it may be challenging for a team that recently recorded three consecutive 1-1 draws.
The series of draws began with a stalemate against Palestine in November 2024, followed by home draws against Oman and Jordan in March, where South Korea missed the chance to qualify for the World Cup in front of home fans, instead facing boos from the crowd. In their first meeting last October, South Korea defeated Iraq 3-2, with Iraq being the only team to score multiple goals against them in this round.
South Korea will rely on Europe-based stars Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, who recently celebrated significant continental victories. Son, a South Korean icon, captained Tottenham Hotspur to their first UEFA Europa League title in 17 years, marking his first trophy in his 15-year European career. Lee Kang-in, although not playing in the final, celebrated Paris Saint-Germain's first UEFA Champions League title after a decisive 5-0 victory over Inter Milan.
The match presents challenges for coach Hong and his staff, as fewer Europe-based players were selected this time-nine compared to a dozen or more in previous squads-due to some being idle since May after their club seasons ended. Hong has included K League 1 players who are actively competing in their club campaigns. Jeon Jin-woo, the K League 1's top scorer with 11 goals in 17 matches this season, is among the new call-ups, making his debut in the senior national team. Hong has also highlighted midfielder Kim Jin-gyu's recent performances, who last played for South Korea in July 2022 during the East Asian Football Federation E-1 Football Championship.
Defensively, South Korea will be without Bayern Munich center back Kim Min-jae, who is dealing with Achilles tendinitis. This leaves Hong with an inexperienced group, where only Kwon Kyung-won of Khor Fakkan and Seol Young-woo of FK Crvena zvezda have logged more than 20 caps. In goal, the team is solid with reigning K League 1 MVP Jo Hyeon-woo, who hopes for more offensive support than the single goal per match he has seen in his last three starts.