AFC Asian Qualifiers
Seeking an 11th consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals, the Taegeuk Warriors will have to contend with West Asian opposition in Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait but Korea Football Association technical director Lee Lim-saeng was optimistic about their chances.
Highlights: FIFA World Cup 26™️ Preliminary Draw – AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road To 26 Official Draw
“We are aware of each team’s abilities and every game will be tough but we will try our best to achieve our target,” said Lee.
“I won’t say we are completely happy with the draw because we have a lot of tough games. We respect the qualities of all the teams in our group but we have to be confident that we can make it.”
Korea Republic advanced to the third phase of qualification as the Group C winners of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ but it was a journey with a fair share of bumps.
It was a campaign that saw them being led by three different coaches - German Jurgen Klinsmann for the opening two matches, followed by interim bosses Hwang Sun-hong and Kim Do-hoon.
Lee said Korea Republic’s search for a permanent head coach is likely to end ahead of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 kicking off in September.
Asian Qualifiers™️ Road To 26 | Group B Reaction
“We haven’t made a decision regarding the head coach yet but I believe that we will soon be able to do so,” said Lee.
Korea Republic’s bid to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Finals, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, starts with a home tie against Palestine on September 5 with the East Asian side then travelling to face Oman five days later.
