S. Korea held by Palestine as winning streak ends in World Cup qualifiers

South Korea were held to a 1-1 draw by Palestine on Tuesday as their winning streak in the Asian World Cup qualifiers came to an end at four. Captain Son Heung-min netted the equalizer in the 16th minute, four minutes after Palestine had scored first at Amman International Stadium in Amman in the teams' Group B match in the third round of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was Son's 51st international goal, giving him sole possession of second place on South Korea&

Nov. 20, 2024

Riding high, S. Korea looking to stretch winning streak vs. Palestine

It was barely two months ago that South Korea were held to a goalless draw by underdogs Palestine to begin the third round of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Boos rained down from disgruntled fans at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sept. 5, some voicing their displeasure with the controversial hiring of Hong Myung-bo as head coach, and others letting their feelings known about the team's lackluster showing. Defender Kim Min-jae even argued with some fans in the stands after

Nov. 17, 2024

Coach Hong cites single-minded focus as key to success in World Cup qualifying

South Korea men's football head coach Hong Myung-bo took the reins in July under less-than-ideal circumstances, dogged by criticism of an unfair hiring process by the Korea Football Association. He was booed lustily by home fans before, during and after his first match, a World Cup qualifier against Palestine on Sept. 5 in Seoul. That the match ended in a goalless draw only added fuel to the fire. With each passing match, though, Hong has gradually come to be viewed in a different light. Bo

Nov. 15, 2024

Sonny scores in return as S. Korea beat Kuwait for 4th consecutive win in World Cup qualifying

Captain Son Heung-min marked his international return with a goal, as South Korea defeated Kuwait 3-1 for their fourth consecutive victory in the ongoing World Cup qualification round in Kuwait City on Thursday. Son converted a penalty that he had drawn himself at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium during the teams' Group B match in the third round of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was Son's 50th international goal, which put him in a tie for second place on

Nov. 15, 2024

S. Korea coach not decided on Sonny's availability in World Cup qualifier vs. Kuwait

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo said Wednesday he has not yet decided whether captain Son Heung-min will play against Kuwait in the upcoming World Cup qualifying match, with the Tottenham Hotspur talisman coming off a long injury layoff. South Korea, world No. 22, will face 135th-ranked Kuwait in their fifth Group B match in the third round of the Asian qualification tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. The contest kicks off at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait C

Nov. 13, 2024

With Sonny back, S. Korea chasing 4th consecutive win in World Cup qualification

With their longtime captain Son Heung-min back from injury, South Korea will chase their fourth consecutive victory in the ongoing World Cup qualification tournament this week against Kuwait. South Korea, world No. 22, will visit 135th-ranked Kuwait at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City at 5 p.m. Thursday local time, or 11 p.m. the same night in Seoul. It will be the fifth Group B match for both nations in the third round of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. S

Nov. 12, 2024