Big summer for Ulsan, K League

The FIFA Club World Cup trophy on display ahead of the match between Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Moenchengladbach in Dortmund, April 20, 2025. EPA-Yonhap

It’s not long now before Ulsan HD FC head to the United States. In June, the Tigers will represent Asia at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. There have been club world cups in the past, but never like this.

In 2012 and 2020, Ulsan became champions of Asia, earning the right to compete on the world stage. Their first appearance was in Japan, but a 3-1 defeat to Mexico’s C.F. Monterrey ended any hopes of going all the way. At the 2020 tournament (which actually took place in 2021 in Qatar), the Korean team lost 2-1 to Tigres UANL, another Mexican club. It is safe to say that Ulsan has never truly left its mark on the competition. Back then though, there were only seven teams — one from each confederation and another from the host nation — this summer is very different.

The tournament will feature 32 clubs as the world governing body FIFA looks to expand its role from national team soccer into the club game. Taking place across the United States in June and July, clubs from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia — now there are four representatives from the continent—, CONCACAF (North and Central America) and Oceania will compete. The format includes eight groups of four, with the top two from each group going through to the knockout stage.

It’s not just about the trophy — there’s serious money on the line. Ulsan will earn a minimum of $9.55 million just for participating, with the potential for even more depending on how far the team goes. Ulsan’s entire revenue was around $28 million in 2024. Getting out of the group would bring in around $20 million. Winning the trophy could be worth as much as $100 million.

Unsurprisingly, then, Ulsan is taking this seriously.

"I feel proud, but I also acknowledge the significant responsibility in representing Korea and the Asian continent," Ulsan coach Kim Pan-gon told FIFA. "We need to compete strongly against teams from other continents. I also feel we are duty bound to come with a competitive edge to the competition."

"For us, I think that competing against teams at a world-class level is going to be a good opportunity," Kim said. "Fellow ethnic Koreans living in the United States and football fans in Korea will expect a strong performance from Ulsan HD. So I hope we will showcase our abilities in the matches."

The group is not easy, though it could be tougher. The opening game is against Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. of South Africa, who many think is the strongest contender from that continent. Then comes Fluminense FC from Brazil, followed by a final group game against Borussia Dortmund — although the German giants are having a poor domestic season. The matches will be played in Orlando, New Jersey and Cincinnati, and as Kim mentioned, there’s hope that the Korean community will come out to support the country’s top team.

Ulsan has yet to rediscover last season’s form in the 2025 K League, though there’s still a long way to go and the team is holding its own. Few would be surprised if they secure a fourth successive title — even if the long trip to the U.S. and the travel once there risk disrupting their rhythm. Rivals may welcome a weary Ulsan returning home, but there’s also the potential for the club to earn serious money and invest in quality new signings.

It is going to be a fascinating summer.