World Cup 26: Korea misses automatic berth, awaits third-place verdict SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - South Korea failed to secure automatic qualification for the Round of 32 after losing 1-0 to South Africa, leaving their World Cup fate to the ranking of third-placed teams. South Korea were beaten at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on Thursday morning in Korea in their final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the other Group A match played at the same time, Mexico defeated Czechia 3-0. Mexico finished top of the group with three wins from three ma June 25, 2026

World Cup rivals cheer as one in central Seoul SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Gwanghwamun Square turned red on Thursday morning. Some 11,000 fans packed the plaza in South Korean football jerseys, scarves around their necks and cheering sticks in hand, their chants filling the air around the iconic statue of King Sejong the great. Among them stood South Africa's ambassador to South Korea, Sindiswa Ntombolimo Mququ, dressed in the green and yellow of her national team, and dozens of South Africans, also June 25, 2026

Korea loses to South Africa, left waiting on third-place ranking SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - South Korea failed to secure automatic qualification for the Round of 32 after losing 1-0 to South Africa in their final Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday in Korea. South Korea lost at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico after conceding midway through the second half. In the other Group A match played at the same time, Mexico beat Czechia 3-0. The results sent Mexico through as Group A winners and South Africa as runners-up. South Korea fini June 25, 2026

World Cup 26: Korea held by South Africa after disjointed first half SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - South Korea went into halftime scoreless against South Africa on Thursday after a disjointed first half in which they struggled to beat pressure, move the ball through midfield and turn possession into meaningful chances. South Korea kicked off their final Group A match at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico knowing a draw would be enough to secure second place and a spot in the Round of 32. Opta’s pre-match model had given South Korea a 59.2 percent chance June 25, 2026

World Cup 26: Korea holds its breath as Round of 32 hangs in balance SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Thousands of football fans packed central Seoul's Gwanghwamun from early Thursday morning, filling public viewing areas and gathering around giant screens hours before South Korea's decisive 10 a.m. (Korea time) World Cup kickoff, while millions more across the country glued themselves to televisions and smartphones for the make-or-break clash with South Africa. The entire nation would come to a standstill for 90 minutes as South Korea faced Sout June 25, 2026

World Cup 26: More than a sporting event when identities are at stake  SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - From Norway's Viking Row to South Korea's AI anthem, the 2026 World Cup shows how nations perform identity — and how those performances now travel far beyond the stadium. Seconds after Norway secured a 3-2 win over Senegal at MetLife Stadium, Erling Haaland walked toward the stands. As Martin Ødegaard pounded a drum, the striker began pulling both arms back in unison — rowing, in the style of a Viking longship. The crowd followed u June 24, 2026

World Cup 26: Ronaldo returns as Colombia advance, England held by Ghana SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to revive Portugal’s World Cup campaign, Colombia secured a place in the knockout stage and England were held by Ghana as Groups K and L moved closer to their final-round showdowns on Tuesday local time. Croatia also beat Panama 1-0 to stay alive in Group L, eliminating the Central American side after two straight defeats. Portugal produced the statement performance of the day, beating Uzbekistan 5-0 in a Group K match i June 24, 2026

World Cup 26: Messi breaks record as Argentina, France, Norway advance SEOUL, June 23 (AJP) - Lionel Messi became the most prolific scorer in men's World Cup history, France overcame a long weather delay and Norway survived a late Senegal fightback as Argentina, France and Norway all advanced to the knockout stage on Monday local time. Jordan were eliminated after another comeback defeat in Group J, joining Turkiye and Haiti among the teams already out, while Senegal and Iraq were left with only a narrow third-place route in Group I. In Group J June 23, 2026

FIFA sends hidden message to South Korea before final group match SEOUL, June 22 (AJP) - FIFA has sent a playful message of support to South Korea ahead of their final group match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The world football governing body posted a series of photos of South Korean players on its official Instagram account Monday in Korea, along with the message, “Fighting for the final group match,” written in Korean. The post featured Cho Gue-sung, Eom Ji-sung, Lee Han-beom, Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan and Hwang In-beom. Eac June 22, 2026

World Cup 26: Japan makes history, Egypt fetches first win SEOUL, June 22 (AJP) - The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced a weekend of milestones across the group stage, from Egypt’s long-awaited first victory to historic wins for the United States and Japan. Japan marked the 1,000th match in World Cup history by becoming the first Asian team to win a tournament match with four goals, while the United States won back-to-back World Cup games for the first time in 96 years. Egypt beat New Zealand for the country’s first World Cup win, June 22, 2026