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South Korea Eliminated from 2026 World Cup; Japan, Australia Advance from Asia
🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

South Korea Eliminated from 2026 World Cup; Japan, Australia Advance from Asia

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup 32-team knockout stage pairings are complete, with South Korea eliminated and only Japan and Australia advancing from Asia.
  • South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses, failing to secure a spot in the knockout stage despite hopes of advancing as one of the best third-place teams.
  • The tournament will feature 13 European teams, 5 South American, 3 North American, 9 African, and 2 Asian teams, with the Round of 32 beginning on June 29.

South Korea's journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an early end. The national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, finished third in Group A with one win and two losses, accumulating three points. Hopes of advancing to the 32-team knockout stage as one of the best third-place teams were dashed after three days of anxious waiting, ultimately placing 10th and missing the cut.

The 32-team knockout bracket is now finalized, featuring 13 teams from Europe, 5 from South America, 3 from North America, 9 from Africa, and only 2 from Asia: Japan and Australia. South Korea, along with six other Asian teams, failed to advance.

The Round of 32 kicks off on June 29, with South Africa playing Canada in the opening match. Other notable matchups include Japan facing Brazil on June 30 and France against Sweden on July 1. The tournament will also see Austria play Spain, Portugal face Croatia, and defending champions Argentina take on Cabo Verde.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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