Striker Lee Kang-in (right) on June 10 scores the second goal of the national soccer team against Kuwait in Korea's final qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the city's Mapo-gu District. (Yonhap News)

By Yoon Sojung

The national soccer team's 4-0 win over Kuwait has punctuated Korea's undefeated qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup.

Led by head coach Hong Myungbo, the Taegeuk Warriors on June 10 won their final game of Group B in the third and concluding qualifying round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the city's Mapo-gu District.

This was Korea's third time to qualify for the tournament without a loss in a league-style format with five to six countries after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 1990 edition in Italy.

Many younger players started this game. The opening goal came 30 minutes into the first half when midfielder Hwang Inbeom's corner kick deflected off a Kuwaiti defender into the net. Midfielder Jeon Jinwoo was credited with the score.

Kuwait never crossed midfield in this match, and Korea added three goals in the second half: Striker Lee Kangin in the 51st minute, forward Oh Hyeongyu in the 54th and midfielder Lee Jaesung in the 72nd. Lee Kangin was named player of the match.

The team on June 6 had qualified for next year's tournament with a 2-0 victory over Iraq to secure at least a second-place finish in Group B. Korea won the group with six wins, no losses and four draws for 22 points, with Jordan finishing as runnerup.

"Before the game, I told the team that today's game wasn't the final qualifier of the round but the first game after we qualified for the World Cup," Hong told a news conference after the match. "I express my congratulations and gratitude to the players."

"Today was a good opportunity for young players to gain needed game experience, but how they performed today exceeded my expectations."

arete@korea.kr