Factfile
FIFA Ranking: 25
Previous appearances: 11
First appearance: 1954
Best finish: Semi-finals (2002)
2022 record: Round of 16
How they qualified: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group B winners
Group A fixtures - June 11: v Czechia; June 18: v Mexico; June 24: v South Africa
Fun fact: Korea Republic will be making their 11th consecutive appearance at the Finals.

Leading their charge will be Hong Myung-bo, who throughout the course of his career has experienced the tournament as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

Part of the Korea Republic squad that thrilled the world with their run to the semi-finals of the 2002 edition, Hong returned to the national team in July 2024, succeeding Jurgen Klinsmann and marking his comeback as head coach after 10 years.

 The vastly experience tactician, however, has to lift the confidence of his players, who cruised through the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 but have found the going tough in recent outings.

Pre-World Cup friendlies saw Korea Republic suffer a 4-0 defeat against Ivory Coast, which was followed by a 1-0 loss against Austria.

Talisman Song Heung-min is also struggling for form since making his move to America but Hong has full faith in not only his captain but the entire squad.

Drawn in a Group A, Korea Republic will have to hit the ground running in their opener against Czechia on June 11, with co-hosts Mexico and South Africa to follow.

Despite their recent troubles, Korea Republic have the quality to navigate the group before turning their attention to the business end of the tournament.

Sources: FIFA, AFC, AFP