Factfile
Previous Appearances: 16
Best Finish: Runners-up (2019)
2023 Record: Semi-finals
How They Got There: AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-finalists
Head Coach: Lee Chang-won (KOR)
Fun Fact: Korea Republic are in the same group as Ukraine, the team they met in the final of the 2019 edition.
Group B Fixtures: v Ukraine (September 27); v Paraguay (September 30); v Panama (October 3)

Head coach Lee Chang-won is demanding fearlessness from his squad as they embark on a 17th campaign in the global showpiece.

Having sealed their place in the Finals despite a penalty shootout defeat to Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025, Lee is convinced his side have what it takes to go the distance.

“We must absolutely advance to the knockout stage by doing our best,” said Lee. “From there, if luck is on our side, we'll advance to the next stage, but we'll focus on playing our own game.

“Our best result is three wins, but realistically, we're hoping for two wins and one draw.

“Ukraine is doing well as they have most of their players playing overseas. Paraguay are in the tournament zone, so their condition should be ahead of ours.

“Both teams are considered strong, and we're not significantly behind, so if we prepare well, we can play well. There's no need to be afraid.”

Kim Tae-won is one of only two foreign-based players, with the forward currently plying his trade with Portimonense SC in Portugal. He is joined by Kim Myeong-jun of KRC Genk in Belgium.

The trio of Park Seung-soo (Newcastle), Yang Min-hyeok (Portsmouth) and Yoon Do-young (Excelsior) are absent due to club commitments but Lee believes there is no shortage of quality players in the squad.

“The current roster is our strongest. While it would have been nice to have some overseas players, the current roster is already professional and has demonstrated its competitive edge on the team. (The absent overseas players) could actually be tactically better for our team.”

A highly anticipated rematch of the 2019 final against Ukraine awaits Korea Republic in their opening Group B tie on Sunday with Paraguay (September 30) and Panama (October 3) to follow in their hunt for a place in the Round of 16.