Striker Oh Se-hun on Oct. 15 celebrates with his teammates after opening the scoring against Iraq in their World Cup qualifier at Yongin Mireu Stadium in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do Province. (Korea Football Association)

By Koh Hyunjeong

The national soccer team on Oct. 15 beat Iraq, 3-2, in the third qualification round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the U.S., getting closer to its 11th straight berth in the sport's biggest tournament.

Led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, the Taegeuk Warriors claimed victory in their Group B match at Yongin Mireu Stadium in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do Province.

The win gave Korea first place in Group B with 10 points (three wins and a draw) and an advantageous position to advance to the World Cup. Iraq, which suffered its first qualifier defeat for this World Cup, is second with seven points.

The top two teams in the six-nation group advance to the tournament.

Korea dominated possession from the first half. In the 41st minute, right back Seol Young-woo broke through the right flank and centered the ball to midfielder Bae Jun-ho, who passed to striker Oh Se-hun. Oh opened the scoring with a left-footed shot.

Iraq tied it six minutes after the second half started, but striker Oh Hyeon-gyu added a second goal for Korea in the 74th minute and midfielder Lee Jae-sung netted a third in the 83rd to ensure victory.

Iraq cut the deficit to one with a header from a corner kick in the 95th minute, but Korea held on.

Korea for its next Group B qualifiers will travel to Kuwait on Nov. 14 and Palestine on Nov. 19.

hjkoh@korea.kr