Men's basketball team to face Japan in Asian Games group stage, seeking first title in 12 years

The South Korean men's basketball team faces a significant challenge in their quest for a championship title not won in 12 years, as they are set to compete against host nation Japan in the group stage of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The draw places South Korea in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, with Japan being the highest-ranked team in their pool.

To achieve their goal of reclaiming the gold medal, which they last won at the 2014 Incheon Games, the team is integrating talent from abroad, including players like Lee Hyun-jung and Yeo Jun-seok, who are pursuing opportunities in the United States. They are also joined by promising young domestic players such as Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Woo-seok, and Yoo Ki-sang. A strategic shift has been implemented with the appointment of Nicolas Mazzolas, a foreign head coach, to bring new tactics and approaches to the team.

The women's national team is also aiming for gold, a feat they haven't accomplished since the 2014 Incheon Games. They will compete in Group C against Malaysia, Mongolia, and Taiwan. The women's team has secured a silver medal in 2018 and a bronze in 2022, indicating a strong competitive presence. However, their medal aspirations could be affected by the uncertain availability of star player Park Ji-su, who is recovering from an ankle injury.

In addition to the 5-on-5 tournaments, the 3x3 basketball competitions will also feature South Korean teams. The men's 3x3 team, aiming to surpass their silver medal from 2018, will compete in Group D against Thailand, Japan, and Singapore. The women's 3x3 team is set to contend for their first-ever Asian Games medal in the same group, facing Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. Both 5-on-5 and 3x3 tournaments will see the top teams advance to the knockout stages.