World Cup 26: Unauthorized drone sparks security scare at Korea training SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) -South Korea's closed-door training session in Mexico ahead of its second World Cup group match against Mexico was briefly disrupted by an unidentified drone intrusion, the Korea Football Association said Wednesday. The incident took place during South Korea's private tactical session at the Chivas Verde Valle training facility in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, as the team prepared for its Group A match against Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Unlike June 17, 2026

World Cup 26: Korea zooms up to 13th in The Athletic's reranking SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - South Korea was upgraded to 13th in The Athletic's latest ranking of all 48 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after opening the tournament with a comeback win over Czechia. The Athletic, the sports outlet owned by The New York Times, placed South Korea ahead of Uruguay, Senegal, Egypt, Belgium, the United States and Japan, despite the team sitting outside the top 20 in FIFA's official world rankings. South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 in its Group A June 17, 2026

World Cup 26: Asia holds firm, New Zealand shine, and South America winless SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - Asian teams extended their unbeaten start to this year's FIFA World Cup on Monday, while New Zealand marked its return to the tournament with a spirited draw. South America's wait for a first win continued as Uruguay fell short of victory. Four matches played across the U.S. produced no wins for the traditional favorites. Spain was held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in Atlanta, Georgia, as the World Cup debutants frustrated one of Europe's stro June 16, 2026

World Cup 26: Football migrates from TV to handheld screens SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - FIFA World Cup seasons once fueled sales of televisions and large screens as football watching became a collective event in living rooms, bars and public squares. That ritual is changing in South Korea. With most matches in the 2026 tournament being played across North America and kicking off during the early morning or daytime hours in Korea, football consumption is becoming a far more private experience, shifting to smartphones, chat rooms and creator-l June 15, 2026

World Cup 26: Asia stays unbeaten, Africa makes early mark SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - The opening week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered an early message: the gap between traditional soccer powers and emerging nations is narrowing. Teams from the Asia-Pacific region remain unbeaten, while several African sides have shown they can challenge higher-ranked opponents, suggesting the tournament may no longer be dominated exclusively by Europe and South America. Japan produced the biggest statement so far, fighting back twice to secure a 2- June 15, 2026

World Cup 26: Veterans steady, newcomers shine in Korea's first win SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) — South Korea's 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia in its opening Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was not the work of a single star. It was a victory built on balance — experienced leaders delivering in decisive moments while a new generation showed it was ready for football's biggest stage. Head coach Hong Myung-bo's side fell behind in the 58th minute when Ladislav Krejci powered home a header, but recovered through Hwang In- June 12, 2026

World Cup '26: Not your typical TGIF if Team Korea kicks off and wins SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Few Friday lunch breaks could have been better. A long midday pause filled with live music, sunshine, a cool breeze, stress relief, shouting, groaning, jumping, dancing and, for some, a can of beer. For 90 minutes, South Koreans traded spreadsheets, classrooms and office meetings for something less tangible but equally important — a shared dose of pride, hope and celebration. Some took the entire day off. Others used half-day leave. Man June 12, 2026

World Cup 26: Korea faces first real test against Mexico SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - South Korea's opening victory over Czechia brought relief, belief and three valuable points. It also brought a reality check. The 2-1 comeback in Guadalajara showed Hong Myung-bo's side possesses the resilience and attacking quality to survive difficult moments. The next match against Mexico will reveal whether it can thrive against a team many expect to challenge for top spot in Group A. Both nations opened their World Cup campaigns with victori June 12, 2026

World Cup 26: Korea rallies past Czechia in World Cup opener SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czechia 2-1 in its opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, taking a major step toward the knockout stage after a spirited second-half comeback in Guadalajara, Mexico. Hong Myung-bo's side fell behind in the 58th minute when Czech defender Ladislav Krejci powered home a header from a set piece. But South Korea responded quickly as midfielder Hwang In-beom equalized nine minutes later before s June 12, 2026

World Cup 26: Korea, Czech Republic goalless at halftime in World Cup opener SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - South Korea went into halftime locked at 0-0 with the Czech Republic on Thursday in its opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Korea made a brighter start than it had in recent warm-up matches, but could not turn its early pressure into a goal against a physically strong Czech side at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. Son Heung-min started up front, with Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung playing just behind him. Hwang In-beom and Paik Seung-ho anchore June 12, 2026