South Korea
Group A · AFC · FIFA #17
Son Heung-min is one of the world's best wingers and leads a South Korean side with genuine technical quality across the squad. Kim Min-jae anchors one of the most organised defensive units in Asia. Korea reached the semi-finals on home soil in 2002 — they retain a taste for tournament upsets.
At a Glance
Tournament Threat
7/10
FIFA Ranking
#17
Group
A
Recent Form
W D W D W
Key Players
Son Heung-min
Kim Min-jae
Hwang Hee-chan
Coach: Hong Myung-bo
Tactical Analysis
A compact 4-3-3 with incredible work rate across all lines. Son operates freely from the left, cutting inside onto his right foot. Kim Min-jae's distribution from centre-back initiates many attacking sequences.
Betting Angle
Son's individual quality creates goal-scoring opportunities in most matches — anytime scorer and shots on target markets often provide value in competitive fixtures.
Did You Know?
- South Korea co-hosted the 2002 World Cup and remain the only Asian nation to reach the semi-finals.
- Son Heung-min graduated from Hamburg's academy at 16, the youngest Asian player to join a Bundesliga club.
- Kim Min-jae won Serie A with Napoli in their first title since the Maradona era.