How they qualified: AFC ranking pathway based on four-year period from 2021 to 2024

Previous Appearances: 2 (2012, 2020)

Head Coach: Kim Pan-gon (KOR)

2024/25 Form: League Stage of AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25, K League 1 winners

Group F Fixtures - June 17: v Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA), June 21: v Fluminense FC (BRA), June 25: Borussia Dortmund (GER)

Head coach Kim Pan-gon has a battle-hardened side at his disposal with the K League 1 season at the midway stage with Ulsan - seeking a fourth consecutive title - third in the standings. 

Kim, who took charge of Ulsan in July of last year following the departure of Hong Myung-bo, said it was imperative for the two-time Asian champions to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup.

“As a team representing Korea and Asia, we’re under pressure to perform well against clubs from other continents,” said Kim to FIFA.com.

“I believe advancing to the Round of 16 is crucial, and our first match against Mamelodi Sundowns will be key. After that, it will be important to narrow the gap and pick up points against Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund.”

The tactician admitted that Ulsan will have to hit the ground running if they are to make an impact.

“In international tournaments like the World Cup, Asian teams have often faced many challenges,” said Kim. “We may encounter such difficulties this time as well. However, if we can capitalise on the speed and technique of Asian football, we’ll be able to be competitive.”

He has an experienced squad to fall back on with Brazilian forward Erick Farias in fine form, having netted eight goals in the K League and Kim is also counting on the Korean-American community to roar his side on.

“As Ulsan participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, many Korean-Americans will have high expectations. 

“We hope many people will come to the stadium to support us, and we will do our best to perform competitively and achieve good results so our fans can be proud.”