The success or failure of the draw for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup depends on the outcome..
The success or failure of the draw for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup depends on the outcome. The strategy needed for the South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, is a “must-win.”
Hong Myung-bo is set to play a friendly match against Bolivia at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 14th. Bolivia is ranked 76th in the FIFA rankings, 54 places lower than South Korea (22nd), but it is a power that cannot be ignored.
Currently, Korea needs to manage FIFA rankings. This is because of the draw for the 2026 North American World Cup, which will be held next month. Host Mexico will be in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the United States in Group D, and the top nine FIFA teams will be assigned to Port 1. This is followed by 12 teams each in ports 2, 3, and 4.
사진 확대 Photo = Korea Football Association 사진 확대 Photo = AP= Courtesy of Yonhap News
Port 2’s cut line is predicted to be 23rd. Korea is one step higher than this. be placed on a chin-up. The higher the port, the less likely it is to meet a strong team, so a relatively easy group league schedule can be held.
Korea’s ranking point is 1593.92 points. Ecuador (23rd) is chasing with 1589.72 points, Austria (24th) 1586.98 points, and Australia (25th) is chasing with 1584.02. In November’s A-match, Ecuador will play friendly matches with Canada and New Zealand, Austria will play Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup European qualifiers, and Australia will play friendly matches with Venezuela and Colombia.
사진 확대 Photo = Courtesy of Yonhap News
The ranking may change depending on the results of this schedule. In other words, they are fiercely competing for invisible points. Because of this, Hong Myung-bo has to take care of the consequences. Moreover, the FIFA ranking should pledge a “must-win” because the score can drop if it draws or loses to the lower team.
Coach Hong Myung-bo also said, “We will prepare to achieve good results. The results of this two consecutive games are likely to be the most important. I think securing Port 2 is the most urgent thing,” he stressed.
[Kim Young Hoon, MK Sports Reporter]
