South Korea were one of the more impressive teams in their first match day at the World Cup, playing creatively and aggressive against Czechia from Europe, beating them 2-1.
In their second game, there was a strong belief that the Koreans could take down the hosts Mexico in their own stadium, but that evaporated following a performance that could only be described as dull. The free-flowing, synchronized play against Czechia was replaced with a team that looked scared to play on the front foot, eventually only coming alive in the final 10 minutes of the game when they were already down a goal.
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The loss to Mexico ended their chances to win the group, the hosts locking up the first seed before their final game against the Czechs.
But will that in the long run be a good thing for South Korea?
More news: Who Is Mexico Most Likely to Play in the Round of 32 at the World Cup?
A fan of South Korea looks on ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Ulises RUIZ / AFP via Getty Images)More news: Ranking All 48 Teams at the World Cup After the First Round of Matches
In a world where they had beaten Mexico and locked up Group A, their Round of 32 match would have been in Mexico City, playing in the high altitudes of Estadio Azteca. While the path is perfect for Mexico, who turn that legendary venue into a fortress, would it have really been the best home for South Korea?
Now, if they can get a result against South Africa in their final Group A game, they’ll claim second place in Group A.
Where do the Koreans go, then?
They’ll play in the Round of 32 in a city with the biggest Korean population outside of their home country. The stadium will be full of Korean supporters, eventually turning it into the closest thing of a home game South Korea can ask for outside of Seoul or Busan.
And in terms of opponents, they would most likely play Scotland as the Group A winner, where as the runner-up they’ll most likely face Canada or Switzerland. While you can make an argument Scotland is an easier opponent than the Canada or Swiss, the quasi-host advantage in L.A. might be a greater boost than having to take on a well-traveled Tartan Army in Mexico City.
The loss to Mexico was a tough one, but it’s not the end of the road for South Korea. In fact, that defeat might be the path that leads them to a stadium that might lead them into the Round of 16.
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