South Korea's journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico ended on Saturday following the conclusion of group stage matches.
The team failed to secure a spot in the knockout round.
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According to Yonhap News Agency, the expanded 48-team tournament format allows the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-place finishers, to advance to the round of 32.
South Korea finished third in Group A with three points from one win and two losses.
Group Stage Performance
The South Korean team opened its campaign with a 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic on June 11.
They then suffered a 1-0 loss to Mexico a week later, followed by a 1-0 defeat against South Africa on Wednesday.
Entering Saturday's final group fixtures, South Korea held the eighth and final qualification spot among third-place teams.
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However, they needed specific results from other matches to maintain that position.
Their hopes ended when Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 and the Democratic Republic of the Congo secured a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan.
Those results pushed South Korea out of the top eight third-place slots.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo advanced to second among third-place teams with four points, securing their first-ever knockout stage appearance.
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South Korea's elimination was confirmed after those matches concluded.
