KOREAN NET

The men's national soccer team on June 6 posted a dominant 7-0 win over host Singapore in the second round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup at Singapore National Stadium. (Korea Football Association)

By Israa Mohamed

The men's national soccer team has advanced to the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America with a dominant 7-0 win over Singapore.

Led by interim head coach Kim Do-hoon, the Taegeuk Warriors on June 6 at Singapore National Stadium were led by striker Joo Min-kyu, who had a goal and three assists in the team's fifth Group C game in the second round of Asian qualifiers.

Korea thus secured the group's top spot with 13 points and qualified for the final Asian qualifiers regardless of the outcome of its final match of the second stage against China on June 11.

Scoring early on, Korea struck first in the ninth minute. Winger Lee Kang-in received a pass from Joo just inside the right side of the opponent's penalty box, beat his defender and found the back of the net with his right foot. Just 11 minutes later, Joo headed in the team's second score.

The second half saw a continuation of the offensive dominance of the Taegeuk Warriors. In the 53rd minute, captain Son Heung-min ran past defenders, drove to the center of the box and scored with his right foot. Just a minute later, Lee found the net again to double his tally, with Joo assisting both goals scored soon after halftime.

After being well in control of the game, Team Korea added three more scores by Son, fellow English Premier League star Hwang Hee-chan and Bae Jun-ho.

Having qualified for the last 10 World Cups from Mexico 1986 to Qatar 2022, Korea in the next competition faces an expanded field of 48 teams, up from 32. The number of slots for teams in the Asian Football Confederation is now 8.5 instead of 4.5, with the half spot decided by an inter-confederation playoff.

ess8@korea.kr