0–1 vs South Africa
Group A · xG 0.90-1.16

South Korea did not qualify for the World Cup 2026 knockout stage. South Korea finished third in Group A with 3 points from 5.09 group-stage xPts (Δ -2.09).
South Korea have 3 points from 5.09 xPts, a clear group-stage case of results trailing the chances.
Group A · xG 0.90-1.16
3 points from 5.09 group-stage xPts. Official group rank decides qualification.
Every finished match, scoreline, match xG and one-line verdict.
| Stage | Matches | Goals | xGF / xGA | xGD | xPts | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group stage | 3 | 2–3 | 4.11 / 2.52 | +1.59 | 5.09 | Official group-table scope |
| Total | 3 | 2–3 | 4.11 / 2.52 | +1.59 | 5.09 | All completed xG-backed matches |
South Korea took 3 points from 5.09 xPts, while South Africa took the Canada bracket slot with 4 points from 3.47 xPts.
South Korea are +1.59 xGD through 3 xG matches against opponents averaging 27.0/48 in the World Cup field and FIFA #37.3 globally; led xG against a mid-ranked opponent field.
| Group | Group A · 3rd in group |
|---|---|
| Knockout status | Group exit Group-stage exit |
| Published FIFA rank | FIFA #32 · 29th of 48 World Cup teams |
| xG vs schedule | Avg opponent field rank 27.0 / 48 · Avg opponent FIFA #37.3 · led xG against a mid-ranked opponent field |
| Group-stage played / record | 3 · 1W 0D 2L |
| Group-stage points | 3 |
| Group-stage expected points (xPts) | 5.09 |
| Group-stage Δ (Points − xPts) | -2.09 |
| Group-stage goals for / against | 2 / 3 |
| Group-stage xG for / against | 4.11 / 2.52 |
| Group-stage finishing (Goals − xG) | -2.11 |
| Group-stage defensive luck (xGA − GA) | -0.48 |
See South Korea on the full interactive luck quadrant →
South Korea had their strongest chance profile against Czechia, winning the xG battle 2.30–0.83.
South Korea took 0 points from 1.65 xPts (Δ -1.65).
South Korea took 3 points from 2.29 xPts (Δ +0.71).
| Date | Match | Score | Group xG | xPts | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 June | v Czechia | 2–1 | 2.30–0.83 | 2.29 | +0.71 |
| 18 June | @ Mexico | 0–1 | 0.91–0.53 | 1.65 | -1.65 |
| 24 June | @ South Africa | 0–1 | 0.90–1.16 | 1.15 | -1.15 |
Δ here is per group-stage match: the points South Korea took that game minus their expected points (xPts) for it. Negative = robbed, positive = fortunate.
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