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

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,