Korea’s golden draw? Park Ji-sung says round of 16 within reach at 2026 FIFA World Cup

JTBC football commentator Park Ji-sung, a former member for the Korean national men's football squad, attends a press conference in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Three-time World Cup veteran Park Ji-sung — who was part of Korea’s historic 2002 semifinal run, its first away World Cup victory in 2006 and the round of 16 finish in 2010 — believes Hong Myung-bo’s squad can advance deep into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

With the tournament, starting June 11, expanding to 48 teams, 32 nations will progress from the group stage to the knockout rounds. Park predicted that Korea could not only survive the group stage, but also reach the round of 16, potentially playing five matches in a single overseas World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

He even suggested that Korea has a realistic chance of finishing first in Group A.

Park said that his optimism comes from what he sees as a highly favorable group draw and a schedule that could work strongly in Korea’s favor, especially regarding altitude adaptation.

Speaking on JTBC’s Newsroom on Tuesday, ahead of his role as a tournament commentator, Park said the group setup was the most encouraging factor.

“I think this is the best World Cup group draw Korea has ever had,” he said. “Looking at the players we have, I believe we’re capable of finishing first in this group.”

Members of Korea's national men's football team competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States pose with a banner at Incheon International Airport, Monday, before departing for their pretournament training camp in Salt Lake City, Utah. Yonhap

Korea was drawn into Group A alongside host nation Mexico, Czech Republic and South Africa.

While none of the opponents are considered easy, many observers viewed the draw more favorably after the Czech Republic — rather than Denmark, a Euro 2020 semifinalist — emerged from the European playoffs to qualify. Park agreed with the assessment that this group appears less daunting than Korea’s 2010 group featuring Argentina, Greece and Nigeria.

Park also pointed to the altitude factor as a major advantage.

Korea will play two matches in Guadalajara, located about 1,660 meters above sea level, and has chosen to set up its base camp there to minimize travel and fully adapt to the conditions.

By contrast, the Czech Republic plans to base itself in a low-altitude city in the United States before flying into Guadalajara shortly before its opening match, leaving less time to adjust.

A giant replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy is installed at the Cinta Costera in Panama City, May 13. Reuters-Yonhap

Mexico, meanwhile, will play its opener in Mexico City — situated at roughly 2,500 meters above sea level — before descending to Guadalajara to face Korea.

Park believes the schedule gives Korea an edge in fitness and recovery, especially in the early matches against the stronger teams in the group. Korea will then face what is considered the weakest side in Group A, South Africa, in the final group-stage match.

“I think it’s a very favorable schedule,” Park said. “Korea has traditionally done well against European teams, and I think the Czech Republic may struggle more with adaptation. You have to take points off the strong teams, and meeting them in the first match can actually help. We need to get at least one point from that opener.”

An aerial view of New York New Jersey Stadium, Tuesday, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford, New Jersey / AFP-Yonhap

Even if Korea finishes second in Group A, the path could still be manageable. The runner-up from Group A will face the second-place team from Group B, which includes Canada, Qatar, Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Park believes Korea can compete confidently against any of those teams.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.