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South Korea 2026 World Cup clinching scenarios, how they make knockout round
June 18, 2026, 2:46 p.m. ET
South Korea is on the verge of being the first team to advance to the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup.
The second round of games in group play are in full swing, and the winner of Group A can already be determined Thursday, June 18. South Korea got its tournament off to a great start in a thrilling comeback win against Czechia. The three points were huge, and it set up a great opportunity for when it plays Mexico at Guadalajara Stadium ā South Korea can win the group and clinch its spot in the knockout rounds for the second consecutive World Cup.
Here is what South Korea needs to advance to the World Cup knockout round:
South Korea advance scenarios
It all started with the first match of the day on Thursday betweenĀ South Africa vs. Czechia. South Korea needed Czechia to win or draw, and it got one of the results when it ended in a 1-1 tie.
Now, all South Korea needs to do is beat Mexico. If South Korea wins, it will win Group A, advance to the knockout round and play in the round of 32 in Mexico City on June 30.
- Czechia win or draw vs. South Africa (check!)
- Win vs. Mexico
If South Korea and Mexico draw, neither team will clinch a spot in the knockout stage, but South Korea would remain in a good spot to do so in the final Group A match against South Africa.
If South Korea loses, Mexico would win Group A. While it wouldn’t be able to win the group, South Korea can still feel good about its chances to advance since it would still remain in second place in the standings and have the inside track to be the runner-up in Group A.
South Korea World Cup schedule
- June 11:Ā vs. Czechia (Win, 2-1)
- June 18:Ā vs. Mexico, 9 p.m. ET, Guadalajara Stadium (Guadalajara, Mexico)
- June 24:Ā vs. South Africa, 9 p.m. ET, Monterrey Stadium (Monterrey, Mexico)
