Spain's Win Brings Luck: Korea Advances to U-20 World Cup Round of 16 for Fourth Consecutive Time

Third Place in Group Stage with One Win, One Draw, and One Loss
Early Round of 16 Berth Secured on Goal Difference

The South Korean Under-20 (U-20) national football team has secured a spot in the Round of 16 at the '2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup'.

Kim Hyunoh is competing for the ball in the first match of Group B against Ukraine at the Under-20 (U-20) World Cup held on the 28th of last month at Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander in Valparaiso, Chile. Provided by the Korea Football Association

After finishing third in Group B in the group stage and waiting for the results from other groups, South Korea confirmed their advancement to the knockout stage for the fourth consecutive tournament. This was made possible when Spain defeated Brazil 1-0 in a Group C match held on the 5th (Korea Standard Time), putting South Korea ahead on goal difference.

This tournament features 24 countries divided into six groups of four teams each. After the group stage, the top two teams from each group (12 teams), along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the Round of 16. South Korea was placed in Group B with Ukraine, Paraguay, and Panama. In the group stage, South Korea recorded one win, one draw, and one loss (4 points, goal difference 0) over three matches. They kept their hopes alive by defeating Panama 2-1 in the final match, but remained in third place and had to wait for the results from other groups.

Subsequently, when Spain overcame Brazil in Group C and finished third with one win, one draw, and one loss (4 points, goal difference -1), South Korea secured their ticket to the Round of 16 by having a superior goal difference. Regardless of the remaining group results, South Korea is now guaranteed to be among the top four third-placed teams and has confirmed their place in the knockout stage.

Head Coach Lee Changwon said, "I'm relieved that we made it through the group stage. We will face stronger teams in the Round of 16, but anything can happen in a knockout tournament. We will prepare better and take on the challenge with strength."

In the first match of Group B in the 2025 World Cup against Ukraine, Coach Lee Changwon and the coaching staff are applauding. Provided by the Korea Football Association

Defender Bae Hyeonseo (FC Seoul), who was named 'Player of the Match' in the previous day's game against Panama, stated, "We played tough matches in the group stage, and I feel that our team has become more solid. From now on, every match could be our last, so I will give everything I have."

South Korea's Round of 16 opponent will be either Morocco, the top team in Group C, or the top team in Group D (either Argentina or Italy). According to the tournament organizers, South Korea will face either Argentina or Italy in Santiago at 4:30 a.m. on the 9th, or compete against Morocco for a spot in the quarterfinals in Rancagua at 8:00 a.m. on the 10th.

Coach Lee and his staff are currently preparing by watching the final Group C match between Morocco and Mexico on site to analyze Morocco's strengths.