South Korea odds to win World Cup 2022: Confirmed squad, route to the final, ranking & form

South Korea have booked their ticket in the last 16 of the World Cup by the skin of their teeth.

The Asian nation came from a goal behind to beat Portugal in their final match of a frantically-paced Group H, winning 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Hwang Hee-chan goal.

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Latest South Korea odds to win the World Cup

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South Korea route to the World Cup 2022 Final in Qatar

Group Stage results

Who could South Korea meet in the knockout rounds?

Having come through an extremely tough group at the death, South Korea now face the winners of Group G in the first knockout round, Brazil. If they somehow overcome that test, then in the quarter-finals they would face either Japan or Croatia. And then most likely one of Argentina or the Netherlands in the penultimate round. And then finally, a potential match-up with France, England or Portugal.

Confirmed South Korea World Cup 2022 squad

South Korea players to watch at this year’s World Cup 2022

South Korea top World Cup Golden Boot contender – Son Heung-min

Tottenham’s Heung-min Son had a 2021/22 season to remember, becoming the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot, and although he hasn’t found form during the current campaign he remains South Korea’s talisman. But not only is he the Taegeuk Warriors‘ biggest goalscoring threat — as the fourth-highest scorer of all time — he is also their most creative player. They’ll be thankful he has featured after suffering a facial injury recently.

South Korea player to watch – Kim Min-jae

As well as being their main man for goals, Son Heung-min will be the player everyone has their eyes on when watching South Korea. But there is also a lot of quality at the back. Kim Min-jae has played in all but one of Napoli’s games so far this season as they lead Serie A unbeaten and topped their Champions League group ahead of Liverpool, winning five of their six matches.

A special mention should also be made to Hwang Hee-chan, whose dire form for Wolves hasn’t prevented him from playing a big part in Qatar. The struggling forward hasn’t scored a single goal this season for Wolves, but it was his late effort against Portugal that sent South Korea through to the last 16, and broke Uruguay hearts.

South Korea emerging player to look out for – Lee Kang-in

There are plenty of emerging South Korean talents with Mallorca forward Lee Kang-in leading the way. Lee, who came through Valencia’s academy, made over 40 league appearances for Los Che before relocating to Palma where the 21-year-old has found the net on two occasions to date. He’s yet to break his duck for the national team but that moment is coming.

South Korea tactical analysis & likely formation at the World Cup

Former Sporting CP and Portugal head coach Paulo Bento is a strong proponent for the 4-1-3-2. The system is tailor-made for Son, who at club level has struck an incredible attacking two-man partnership with Harry Kane, and in 37 appearances under Bento he’s bagged 12 goals while creating a further 10. However, in a recent friendly against Iceland — albeit with a weakened squad — Bento did go for a 3-4-3. So there is an element of versatility about him. For the World Cup, though, it’s been all about the 4-1-3-2 or 4-3-3.

South Korea FAQs

Where are South Korea in the FIFA world rankings?

South Korea are currently 28th in the FIFA world rankings, a position they have held since June.

Who is the South Korea manager?

Paulo Bento was named South Korea manager in August 2018 and has taken charge of 56 matches so far, winning 38.

Who is the current South Korea captain?

Son Heung-min is the South Korean captain and has been since 2018.

How many times have South Korea won the World Cup?

South Korea’s best World Cup finals finish came in 2002 when they reached the semi-finals.

How many times have South Korea competed in the World Cup?

Making their first appearance in 1954, South Korea have been involved in 11 World Cups including the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Who has scored South Korea most goals in World Cup tournaments?

Son Heung-min, Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung are South Korea’s top scorers at World Cup tournaments, with the trio all scoring three goals.

Which player from South Korea has the most World Cup appearances?

Hong Myung-bo has played in 16 World Cup games for South Korea, more than any other player, between 1990 and 2002.